300+ Hypothyroidism Symptoms…Yes REALLY

Who knew that little butterfly-shaped thyroid gland at the base of our necks could affect our lives so completely? Don’t underestimate the power of that little gland. It is the master control center for the metabolic functions of every single cell in your body. Therefore it has the power to disrupt every part of your body and to produce profound changes in every aspect of your life. Scientific research links hypothyroidism to heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, gall bladder disease, liver disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. The Thyroid Federation International estimates there are up to 300 million people worldwide experiencing thyroid dysfunction, yet over half are presumed to be unaware of their condition. Despite research connecting an underactive thyroid to some of the deadliest diseases of our time, the hypothyroidism epidemic sweeping across the globe has gone largely unrecognized by the mainstream medical community. Are you sure you are ready for this long pathetic list of symptoms?

One of my readers contacted me with the following question. The question was so important that it had me thinking and thinking about how best to address it. Thank you Yipsy for contacting me. Yes chronic urticaria (hives) is one of the hundreds of potential hypothyroidism symptoms. I hope this post answers your question.

Hi Dana – 6 months ago, I started having hives every night. Blood tests and research on web have not yielded any help. I read some of the info on your blog. After google thyroid and hive, I found some potential linkage between my condition and Thyroid. I appreciate if you can share symptoms that link to Hypothyroid on your website so that people know what to look for. Thank you for raising the awareness. Article from About.com Allergies: “Got Hives? Get your thyroid checked!” http://allergies.about.com/b/2007/10/02/got-hives-get-your-thyroid-checked.htm

Best,

Yipsy

My hope is that this post finds the millions of people worldwide who are not aware of their condition. They are suffering from multiple health complications but they have no clue their thyroid is to blame. Their doctors are prescribing medication after medication for illnesses that could be treated by addressing the underlying hypothyroidism. It is a tragedy.

Then there are those who have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and treated with thyroid replacement medication, however they still suffer from many of the symptoms on this list. Their doctors have no idea the real reason for their ill health is the improperly treated hypothyroidism. They too are being prescribed multiple medications for conditions that could be treated by proper thyroid treatment. Others are mistakenly considered hypochondriacs and prescribed sleeping pills and anti-depressants by their doctors. Others are told their symptoms are just part of normal aging and shrugged off as unimportant. Doctors are relying solely on laboratory tests for diagnosis, not investigating fully the patient’s medical history, symptoms, family history and thorough physical exams. Does this sound like you? It may be time to change doctors.

I have struggled an uphill battle for proper diagnosis and treatment. Read my story “Have you suffered a miscarriage? Your thyroid could be to blame“. When I miscarried my baby unnecessarily to hypothyroidism due to my doctors’ lack of awareness, the Warrior Mom came out of me. Don’t mess with my babies! I have spent 3 years intensely researching hypothyroidism and searching for the top thyroid health professionals. You bet I will warn women everywhere about the dangers of hypothyroidism.

The following individuals and organizations are some of the top thyroid health experts in the world. They are all included on my Hypothyroid Mom Top Thyroid Resources page for the amazing resources they provide hypothyroid sufferers. My list of 300+ symptoms is a compilation of their lists of hypothyroid symptoms along with additional symptoms I have found in my research.

Thank you to Dr. Mark Starr for the comprehensive list of hypothyroidism symptoms in his book Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic. Thank you to thyroid pioneer Dr. Broda Barnes for his thorough description of symptoms in the legendary book Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness. Thank you to thyroid patient advocate Mary Shomon for her extensive list of hypothyroidism symptoms in her books Living Well with Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You…That You Need to Know and The Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough. Thank you Janie Bowthorpe for your Long and Pathetic List of Symptoms. Thank you also to Thyroid Patient Advocacy UK and Thyroid UK for providing great resources.

Every person will present with a different combination of symptoms. The severity of each person’s hypothyroidism will also determine the severity and number of symptoms they experience. Untreated hypothyroidism worsens with age with worsening symptoms. Don’t be led to believe that symptoms from this list are not connected to hypothyroidism, because they may be in your case, even if your doctor doesn’t know it.

I would love to hear from you in my comments box at the bottom “Speak Your Mind”. The more we share with one another, the more we know we are not alone.

Do you suffer from any of these symptoms?

Are you prescribed medications for symptoms listed below? Are you sure your doctor is aware of the connection of these symptoms to hypothyroidism?

Are you being treated with thyroid replacement medication but still suffering symptoms?

Do you have a family history of thyroid disease, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, cancer and/or Alzheimer’s? Please read on.

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Who knew that little butterfly-shaped thyroid gland at the base of my neck could affect my life so completely? I founded Hypothyroid Mom in memory of the unborn baby I lost to hypothyroidism. Winner of two 2014 WEGO Health Activist Awards: Health Activist Hero & Best In Show Twitter. *Hypothyroid Mom includes Affiliate links. Connect with me on Google+

Comments

Thanks Dana! I’m never surprised by any symptoms that people have told me about that improved once they were on the correct medication. Just because it’s not on the medics list doesn’t mean it’s not your thyroid!

Absolutely Lyn! When I was at my lowest point with hypothyroidism symptoms after my miscarriage in 2009, it was sites like Thyroid UK that let know I was not alone. You provide a great list of hypothyroidism signs and symptoms on your site. I hope you know what a difference you make in people’s lives including mine!

Hebert,
It is unfortunately very common for thyroid sufferers to show up with normal lab tests yet suffer symptoms. This is why there are so many undiagnosed thyroid sufferers. Thyroid cysts and nodules can be symptomless, others cause hyperthyroidism symptoms, others hypothyroidism, and for others they cycle between hypo and hyper. The issue is that one blood test TSH is normally done to diagnose but first that one test has a too broad normal reference range and it also doesn’t give a full picture of the condition.

I just wanted to say that it is very possible you’re suffering from thyroid disease and getting “normal” test results. I know, because this happened to me. I was 17 when my family and I first noticed my thyroid was enlarged. I started seeing doctors from then on. I’m 26 now and I just had to have a total tyroidectomy back in march of this year( 9 years later), because my thyroid finally just got so enlarged that there was nothing else they could do about it. With that said it had been large enough for many years to obstruct my esophagus and even then it was not a concern to my doctors, because my test were “normal”. Everyday I suffered feeling like there was a physical ball and chain attached to me that I had to pick up and carry around with me all day. It was frustrating and no one would listen to me. You begin to think you’re crazy which is an indescribable feeling. It took me a long time to find a doctor that would actually look at me and listen to me, but I did and when he sent me to an endocrinologist let me tell you this man was absolutely shocked that I had been going this long in this condition. He literally asked me how I was still alive, still breathing like that. He sent me off for surgery asap and at that point I just broke down. All these years I was made to feel like I was crazy and now in one swift moment it almost seemed like a life or death situation and then being told the risks of the surgery like possibly not being able to speak and also at 26 years old now being told that I will have to take this medicine for the rest of my life. I get so emotional and very upset about this topic, because it’s not fair and it’s not right. So if you feel like this is your problem then be demanding in your care, because the thing I lost sight of that I don’t want anyone else to lose sight of is that you know your body best. They know medically why that’s happening or they’re suppose to, but never second guess yourself. You have your best interest in mind and most of them don’t they have deals with drug companies, insurance companies and are trying to keep costs down.

Absolutely you are so right. Often times doctors tells thyroid patients their lab tests are “normal” but they still suffer symptoms and no one does anything about it because the lab test is “normal”. I was fortunate to find a good doctor who listened to me and based her diagnosis and treatment on me and my symptoms. Turns out TSH is often the only test done but it doesn’t give a full picture. Testing should include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenals, full iron panel and D3 at a minimum but instead often times TSH is the only test done. I am sorry all that you’ve been through. Best wishes to you for your recovery. This topic makes me so upset too.

I too have a very enlarged thyroid which is causing daily struggles. I was just referred to an endocronologist as well but aren’t they diabetes doctors? They are extremely expensive and I cannot pay for this right now, but from your post I am realizing it may be necessary. Thank You

Lorraine, I realize this is an old post, but to answer your question, the endocrine system covers several things including the adrenals, thyroid, pancreas, etc. I certainly hope you found the help you were seeking. I encourage you continue to look for a doctor to help you if you’ve not found one yet. My doctor is trained as an allopathic MD, but found herself dealing with a mystery which wasn’t helped using those same allopathic cures and took naturopathic courses, and now combines her knowledge to do the best she can for her patients. I am so very thankful that I did not give up my search for help.

My first reaction at being told I had nodules on my thyroid was anger at the medical community that I had begged for help from. Finally, a nursing practitioner found out what was wrong and is sending me to an endocrinologist. I cried when she told me, not from grief, but from relief at having an answer! The best doctor I have ever had isn’t even a doctor! Amanda(Amy) Freeman rocks!

I was sent to a 4th neurologist by an infectious disease specialist that told me that he thought my issues are all neurological. This was after he took 16 vials of blood and ran a whole bunch of tests on it, and everything was “normal” except a TSH that read as low.
Saw the neuro, which I didnt want to see since I had been old by 3 previous ones “NOT neurological” When I got the doctors notes back from the guy I was sent to, I took the time to read them fully and look up some of the “big, fancy words” he used. Basically he wrote me off and put that he thought I was looking for attention. I wanted to go there and scream how dare he!
I am not “looking for attention” I AM looking for answers! And what on his walls makes him qualified to make that diagnosis?!!! I didnt see anything that said psychologist. Which BTW I saw a week later, per the “”request”” of SSD And an actual doctor of psychology said “No, not anxiety. Anger issues- which I will GLADLY cop to!!- due to not being listened to. And the cognitive abilities of a 75 yr old. I am 43!!
I have been suffering with the loss of my LIFE for the last 2 yrs. I can no longer work, drive, read,play, walk, draw, talking some days is hard. and the lsit goes on and on. The only reasaon I got a recent diagnosis of “hyperthyroidism” Which the endo is saying is “just thyroiditis” Which I think is bull as well. Is because I got tired of my prior primary care telling me that it is “anxiety” when I know my body and my mind. When I called them after suffering from a chronic headache for two months- which they knew about from a previous visit. I was told over the phone “If it gets worse go to the ER and call a therapist” I have had this headache since Feb and I have it ever. single. day. It isnt anxiety. My home life- despite my failing health is damn near perfect. I am so tired of not being listened to by these people that went to school to care for people in need.

I know how you feel. I have many symptoms and everyone does not listen to me. It does make you feel crazy. What is wrong with me? Why am I like this? Why does no one care to listen? I went to the hospital and got turned away with no help other than a fat bill. I need help, please help. I know everyone on this site has experienced what I am currently going through. What doctor will listen? I need treatment…

I am going through most of those symptoms now. I keep asking why my hair is falling out and why I feel like I have bowling balls in my legs, I have memory loss, I have gained weight, cant lose it no matter what I do, hair growing in places it shouldn’t be, I am diabetic, and have coronary artery disease. I have always thought it was a thyroid problem but no one will take notice.

Herbert, I too have a none cancerous tumor on my thyroid and my TSH levels always came back normal. I went back to my Endo. the other day and he found that my thyroid is more enlarged. He has scheduled another thyroid ultrsound. I reminded him of how I’ve been feeling and that I was haveing to keep clearing my throat because I would almost lose it when I talked. He has finally done the free T3. I don’t know the results yet, as I’m still waiting. I think my tumor is growing because he said if it got bigger he would do another ultrasound. Now I’m worried about the tumor being cancerous since the biopsy. My question is why didn’t he do the Free T3 before now, since I had the tumor and all those symptoms?

Yes, to be brief. Some persons due to having Hashimotos cannot covert T4 to T3….hence, FULL panel testing needs to be standardized, not just the tsh ie 2nd generation etc…if on Levo, you could greatly benefit fro Armour/porcine (there is a new one, my apoligies, i believe its 3 initials ‘GMA.’…which can be obtained on line, no presciption, very affordable apx 14per monthi)
If on Levo one can suppliment with Selenium (100mgs per day) which assists conversios can be ‘in range’ and one can still suffer with a multitude of symptoms.
Not a professional….let us all bring Awareness to this Epidemic and encourage others to be tested.
I was first diagnosed with only symptom ted.

Leanne, can you give us the name of the non-prescription supplement you think might be GMA? A search didn’t turn up anything much except Good Morning America

In addition to having a scary number of the 300 symptoms listed, my mother had hypothyroidism at one point. But of course every thyroid test I’ve ever been given comes up in the ‘normal’ range. You’d think I could be diagnosed from how much of my eyebrows are missing alone.

My 12 yr old daughter was tested in Oct.2013 and her original TSH level was 270. Her endo diagnosed her with Hashimotos. She began taking synthyroid in Dec 2013. He has slowly increased the dosage and presently her TSH is at 17. She has at least two symtoms in every category listed. Her irritability is driving our family to near the breaking point. She seems unable to control her emotions especially at home. At school she has to keep herself in check so that when she gets home she explodes. I don’t know where to turn expect maybe psycotherapy for the whole family. Any advice, anyone?

Barb I think she might have meant GTA which is a supplement made by Biotics Research. It doesn´t have any T4 in it so it can be sold as a supplement without a prescription, it contains T3 and supporting nutrients. It comes in different strengths, GTA has 5mg of porcine glandular per capsule, GTA Forte has more (20 mg if I remember correctly).

Herbert,
I too had many symptoms of hypothyroidism for many many years with completely normal blood tests. Finally, after I developed a nodule that they were convinced was cancer, I had my thyroid removed and the majority of my symptoms have disappeared! I am angry sometimes that for years I complained of symptoms with little or no response. I was once told by a doctor I told my skin was so extremely dry no matter what lotion I used, that I should only wash the “stinky parts.” Really!!?? That was helpful. Though I was exercising 2-2.5 hours a day and eating a low fat, vegetarian diet, I was unable to lose weight. They said I was probably just eating too much and could send me to a dietician. Or maybe I wasn’t exercising hard enough. Arm yourself with information and keep going to doctors until you find one who will take your symptoms seriously.

I can definitely say this site has been helpful to me. I went through so many symptoms from my late teens onward that the doctors could never explain, but never checked my thyroid. In those days (and I am referring to the 70’s) xrays were done all the time with no thought to covering the thyroid area. I believe this could have made things worse. I also had a miscarriage, had difficulty getting pregnant, migraines, skin problems, bronchitis often and my first child was premature due to pre eclampsia. Now that I have entered a new stage of life (which is not my favourite) other problems arise because of thyroid issues. At least I have a resource to figure out what is going on. Right now I have gone a bit hyper due to a speedy increase in dosage. Now the decrease starts!!!

I have a feeling that some of my readers have experienced thyroid symptoms ever since they were children just that they were never tested. I know that I’ve had symptoms since I was a baby and then they worsened at puberty then worsened considerably with each pregnancy. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s possible to live well despite our condition. Best wishes to you for good health.

Your comment here is validating. I’ve had increasingly worse symptoms since childhood, worsening with each pregnancy and now it’s full-blown Hashi’s. Thank you for your information. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.

Do you know anyone with Hashimoto’s? My latest approach to treat it is through an AIP diet (autoimmune protocol diet). Have you heard of that, and if so, do you think it is as beneficial for treating Hashi’s as doctors say it is?

You should visit my Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page and meet all the Hashimoto’s sufferers on my page. Followers post questions for the group and we share our suggestions and it’s just a wonderful community growing there. Feel free to post that question about AIP on my timeline and you’ll receive comments from others on that same diet. Everyone is welcome to visit there.

Thank you Dana — I totally agree. My mother didn’t take me to doctors or dentists for several years and looking back, I can clearly see that what I was having were low thyroid symptoms at the early onset of puberty. This has taken me my entire life to figure out. I’m 58. Now that my thyroid has started going back up — no doctor can explain why that has happened any better than “Unspecified Thyroid Disease,” though I’ve traced it back 7 generations through a maternal link causing a yet-to-be-diagnosed thyroid disorder. My parents had money, but my mother was having her own serious, undiagnosed thyroid symptoms at the time herself, and my dad was a prominent public figure who was very, very busy, though he did try to occasionally (though not often) get me to doctors and luckily my brother (He was a kind, brilliant, sensitive, gifted person who unfortunately died at the age of 44 from suicide. He is why I still have all my teeth.) Thank you for your post.

Thank you for your great posts!
I started having symptoms 4 years ago (the debilitanting ones). I was a very active person and suddenly I could’nt get up of bed…
I’m a medical doctor (forensic), and I did a check-up, before going to the doctor… Then we found my Hashimoto. I started the medication, AND nothing… All the same! I went to every kind of doctor you can imagine, made almost all kind of exames, AND almost everything was normal. The suspicious were several… Months looking for a neuroendochyne tumour, that was never found, 3 years taking medication for epilepsy (because of my severe Braun fog, a neurologyst diagnosed epilepsy), many vestibular rehabilitation treatments, that put me even worst (because vertigo, diziness and tinitus)… And some other things…
A few montes ago, and because I never get really well, I went to another neurologyst that told me that all that I feel is because my thyroid is not ok, and that I don’t have any epilepsy, AND the medication for it was causing dementia… I already stoped that medication, but she told me I need 6 montes to recover my precious brain…
What can I say more?
I’m struggling to move on!

I have many of these symptoms. I struggled with infertility. Ive been pregnant 5 times and 2 living daughters, both on Autism spectrum and ADHD. When I was pg with my youngest, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. He did ultrasound and did blood work every month. He was so worried how I would feel after having my baby. He didnt give me any meds cuz he was so worried that it would make it worst. Unfortunately, my husband was away at school when my baby was 2 weeks old for 5 months and my oldest was 5.5 and she was very delayed. I couldnt get an appt with endocrinologist after I had her. (I see that was a very big mistake on my part). I moved and my TSH has been normal but I feel horrible. My body hurts so bad. I had a hysterectomy (kept ovaries) over a year ago and I get UTI/kidney infections every 2-3 weeks (every urinalysis/culture comes back with ecoli). My free t3 (or is it t4) is always abnormal but due to TSH being normal PCMs say normal. I am starting to get very concerned about my health. I wonder if endocrinologist is a specialist I should ask to see. I dont think Im hyper. I believe I am hypo now. I have no energy and can barely walk from the pain. It hurts to swallow. I just want answers and praying that something can stop me from getting worst. Due to being diagnosed with endometriosis I was given lupron, just one shot. I had horrible adverse reactions but I do to most medications. I also have these fainting episodes if really sick or just having surgery and I am alwaay cold but wake up to night sweats.

Hi, Hypothyroid is the main cause of a lot of issues we face like constipation which leads to fissures and hemorrhoids. You do not get to live a normal life. I’m on Thyronorm 75 mcg. If I pass a hard stool or a little large stool, the fissures come up etc. Hate it when I have to pass a dry large stool or hard stool which follows with normal stools. I know this is stool issue is because of the thyroid. I do not like going to doctors to look at the bottom problem. So I have to first correct the stool issue and I’m sure the rest will fall in place. Is there a way to eliminate the issue? My life goes for a toss . I’m a big funk when it comes to a bottom problem. Help!

I use movichol for constipation. It’s an osmotic substance that draws water into the bowel to soften the stool. It is great, because it’s not a stimulant, so no cramps or urgently needing the toilet. You just go as you normally would but the stools are softer. Hope this helps.

I currently take a probiotic tablet daily. This is the kind that must be kept refrigerated after opening because it’s live. It has REALLY helped with the “lower” issues. I had problems with going back and forth from one extreme to another, and finally! Something helps!

Thank you so much for this website. For the past 10 years I have been dealing with progressive fatigue, and in the past year it has come to a head. So many of the symptoms you list here resonate with me 100% – and I feel like in the past year I have swung between hypo and hyper. I have been to the doctor a few times during that time, the first time my symptoms were shrugged off as “age” (I was 30 at the time), then two years later I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Finally went back to the doctor a month ago because the insomnia, fatigue, and anxiety (and too many more symptoms!) just became too much for me. Tsh came up “normal” – 2.78, up from 1.82 two years ago. I asked for a full thyroid panel, but on FT4 (1.1, again, within normal range) and TT3 were run. I have so much family history of endocrine problems (sister with hypo, majority of family with diabetes, hx. of pancreatic cancer, etc), and yet “the numbers don’t lie”. My doctor has only focused on the anxiety/depression and heart palpitations (I’m wearing a heart monitor for a month) – she has told me that she thinks I am bipolar (although I don’t exhibit the extreme behaviors of bipolar d/o). It is so very frustrating – I don’t feel like I am being taken seriously now that I have been labeled “the anxious patient”.

Claire,
I was diagnosed with hashimotos about 9 years ago. I saw an endo yearly and she kept my tsh around 2.30 even after constantly telling her I never felt good. In May of this year I started to feel really good as if I was 20 years younger, coincidently it was time for my yearly blood work. When my lab results were in my tsh had dropped drastically to a 0.51 I did some research on my own and started to see a new endo . He is wonderful and is totally understanding about thyroid conditions and states that no two people should be treated the same some need to be at a lower range to feel better than others. He also started adding t3 into my daily medication and that totally did the trick I feel better than I have in years all of the major symptoms are gone like the aches and pains, the exhaustion, the muscles fatigue I finally started losing weight without even trying and many more. You have to be your own advocate do some research on your own and find a Dr that is willing to work with you and tell them what you want to do to feel better. I hope this will help you find answers you are searching for.

Omg. I was reading your posts. I was diagnosed with Severe Hyperthyroid dise after having my son in 2007. I had lost so much weight, it was ridiculous. In 2012 I had radioactive iodine done. 3 months later I was diagnosed with hypothyroid disease. Since then my life is worse.
They keep changing my meds up and down. I constantly feel tired, out of it, dizzy light headed and so on. I can wake up and be fine and by the end of the day I’m feel like a bus ran me over. Its horrible. I get dizzy spells.
I’m a single mom who works full time and sometimes I almost feel like quiting my job. That’s how bad it is. Please help.

I get this feeling too, the sensitivity to sound. Before I was diagnosed I just thought my teenager had a particularly shrill voice. Now I realize that although her voice can be annoying I’m extra sensitive to a lot of sounds. You’re not alone.

I am so frustrated with my health! I am a 31 year old mother of 3 ages 2,5, and 8. I have had many of these symptoms over the years but they really came on when I had my two year old. I got gestational diabetes with that pregnancy. I am 163 lbs at 5’4″. I have tiny legs but have not been able to lose any weight around the middle no matter how much I work out or eat healthy. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year and have never been sent to an Endo because my levels are in the “normal” range. I have had almost every symptom in the book from brain fog to neuropathy all over my body. My newest symptom is my toenails have cone from just peeling to lifting and now I have lost my pinky toenail and half of my big toenail. I get low blood sugar dips or it feels like it but when I check its fine. Does this sound like Hypothyroidism to you? Thanks you so much!

Your symptoms could all be due to a thyroid condition. Of course there may be other health issues causing these symptoms too. The first step is you need full testing to understand if a thyroid related condition is going on. Here is an article by thyroid advocate Janie Bowthorpe that includes a list of testing. Often times one test TSH is done to diagnose hypothyroidism but this one test does not give a complete picture of the issue.

Hi Dana-
I just came across your site and read your post regarding Master Gland the thyroid. I suffer MOST if any ALL of the symptoms you shared- I have graves disease and last month went into hypo thyroid state. When you suffer from thyroid disorders it throws EVERYTHING off in your body.

For 2 whole years prior to my diagnoses last August I suffered severe anxiety, insomnia, night sweats thinning hair and horrible emotional ups and downs. My Dr’s chalked it up to menopause to stress to just ANXIETY! After having a thyroid storm that landed me in the ER I took matters into my own hands and became my own health advocate and saw a cardiologist who use to treat thyroid disorders and discovered that my thyroid levels (TSH, free T3 Free T4) were alarmingly high….. like RECORD high which lead to the thyroid storm I had.

You were correct when you said that a lot of Dr’s often misdiagnose simple signs when the thyroid isn’t working properly- I know and can personally confirm that.

To anyone who is reading this- PLEASE be your own Dr and health advocate and research and ask as many questions as you can after all Dr’s are human beings too.

In closing what I have learned is this; your thyroid IS the bodies master gland- respect it and listen to it when something is off!!!!!!

hi Leah.i totally understand about the sensitive hearing.in the summer when we have kids in the pool i walk around with my ear muffs on,i just cant handle the shrill sound of their voices.it was so bad when i lived in town that on still nights i could hear the conversations of my neighbors and yet i also have times where i cant hear well at all and i find myself talking really loudly and asking people Im talking with to speak up loud so i can hear.

If laughter is good medicine then you, terriann, just gave me a hellacious dose! Now THAT was funny! Bwahahaha….I hope your daughter’s voice improves for your’s, her’s and everyone’s sake. Oh my….I SO needed that laugh. Thanks terriann!
Also, thank you “mom” for such amazing info. This is my first time here and lets just say, I’m printing this list and hilighting my own Sx and calling TODAY for an MD asap appt. I intend to insist on the tests BEYOND TSH. My problem is this….my moods are TANKED! I can go from baking cookies ang singing to my dog, to chomping heads for the slightest reason. I lay here now because I’m too EXHAUSTED to get up. It’s 9:15 am. I consider getting my daughter out the door with all her stuff, lunch, books/homework etc AND with her uniform proper, hair brushed, fangs scrubbed and so forth. Just not looking like a tossed out hillbilly child. THAT is a victory to me. Pathetic but a victory no less. I’ve had 25mgs Adderall (an ADD/ADHD med that’s simply an amphetamine (speed) I’m not insulting anyone’s knowledge here….it’s just that some countries don’t have certain meds….that said and 25mgs for an hr in and I STILL wanna go back to sleep. I think my moods are worsened by my lack of accomplishments now-a-day compared to my constant “on the go” until a few yrs ago. I’m dx’d with RDS/CRPS/Fibro so pain is another constant entity for me. However, exercise, ESP yoga, DOES help with that BUT…..see aforementioned EDS(excessive daytime sleepiness) IMPOSSIBLE! I feel like I’m walking thru a pool of water submerged up to my neck. Best analogy I can think of. Sometimes I have to stop midway the stairs because I can’t go on. And I mean the stairs in my HOUSE not the stairs to Lady Liberty’s nostrils! Yeah…..I’m making my appt asap. Thanks to you, your plethora of information and the awesome posters before me. Here’s to getting thru this and getting our “ME” back! <3

Welcome to Hypothyroid Mom. Happy to have you here. So happy you are going to insist on the right tests. Besides the intense fatigue that comes with hypothyroidism, low thyroid can wreak havoc on our brain so yes our moods can be affected and I know that one all too well. You can’t imagine how many readers have contacted me about chronic pain and fibromyalgia. I spent days researching to write this article attached.

Thank you for the insight on mothers and thyroidism. I’m a 36 year old male that’s suffered since my proactive teenage years and yet still no diagnosis with all the symptoms and hight TSH. As a male I’ve suffered in every aspect of my life I dropped out of college yet I didn’t know why at the time, I’ve lost 3 girlfriends in the equivalent amount of years, as we all know I make the perfect male companion as I never rush her to the bed because I might have to perform. My current GF knows nothing of my lack of libido and ED but is growing impatient and so am I ( I’m currently taking weekly shoots of Cyponite Test and Cialis to no avail) . I’ve been to a trio of Endocrinologist which have suggested a scope of removing it ( without having treated it with meds) to do nothing but wait cause it so borderline it needs no treatment, that came from Atlanta’s premier Endo ( whom has books and articles in magazines on the subject). To give a bit of background in jan of 2012 I had a wartins tumor removed which was benign ( no insurance, paid cash, the fine Health Insurers stated it was cosmetic) now most have issue with insuring me, moths after many of the symptoms persisted an Internal medicine doctor found 2 cystic solid nodules ( ultrasound) Dr suggested a FNA, I ran to a specialist to an exhausted maze of Dr’s that have no concern to my condition towards treatment. I’ve found plenty of Dr’s that treat Fertility and Diabeties none seem to care much for the rare male that’s suffering from this. I feel like the living dead!! Where do I go? And what can I tell them I begin treating me and stop delaying as if its getting better when it’s killing me alive. Are their any speciizing in Male endocrinologist?
Sincerely Ricardo B

I am sorry all that’s happened to you. I am happy you reached out to me. While hypothyroidism is a majority female condition, there are absolutely many men suffering. I wonder if it is harder to get diagnosis as a male because of the erroneous view that this is only a condition for women. The Thyroid Federation International estimates there are up to 300 million thyroid sufferers worldwide and OVER HALF are unaware of their condition. There are over 150 MILLION thyroid sufferers undiagnosed. This is a very real problem. Your issues with lack of libido and sexual performance are very real issues in the thyroid community. Please don’t stop until you find a doctor who helps you.

You must seek the help of doctors who listen to you and all your symptoms. This may mean going to 10 different doctors until you find someone who will do all the testing. I will list below several resources to help you search for a new doctor. Best of luck to you Ricardo.

Hi Ricardo: I suspect that my ex bf has hypothyroidism as he too was the perfect gentleman in not rushing me into bed. I did not know about this and had many doubts about him. Sadly I let my ego get in the way ( I am a former model) and we are no longer together. I somehow found his father’s death certificate ( long story) and saw that he had hypothyroidism at the time of his death. I know this can be hereditary also. My ex had a whole host of symptoms which I researched after we broke up. At first I thought he had Aspergers which he still may have but the thyroid problems explains everything. He is kind of depressed but very spiritual so his faith in God helps him push through. Like you I think he’s been like this since his teens. He describes himself as a loner but I don’t buy it – could be me just in denial but I know how he was when we were together. He is now 53, with thinning hair so people just attribute it to age but also has very sparse brows. He is pale and doesn’t seem to have much joie de vivre – excitement for life. He was really forgetful – again people can attribute it to age but even at 53 thats too young to be that forgetful.
What other symptoms did you have as a male? He startles easily, didn’t have much energy, often getting tired in the afternoon and seemed moody. I know he had gum recession and when he was younger 27 gained 40 llb suddenly. He lost it after he started up a workout regime. He eats well and watches his food intake. Body wise he has thick legs and a round bum and tends to put on weight in the lower body. When I look back now I can tell it is definitely hormonal. If I were you, please explain your health condition to your GF, It is nothing to be ashamed about – everyone has something that’s not quite right about them. I only wish my ex had known about this and told me. I would have been so so understanding like he has been with my main health issue. Knowledge is power! I know its costly but you may have to see an alternative health care specialist – a naturopath perhaps.
Please email me back as I would like to discuss your symptoms with those of my ex. He does not know about his condition and is just suffering in silence.

Ricardo, There is a good Doctor in Macon, GA who has hypothyroidism and adrenal problems himself and comes highly recommended. He is on the Mary Shoman Top Doc List. Dr. E. Glynn Taunton, D.O., 193 Pierce Ave, Macon, GA 31204. 478-957-4867, Fax 478-745-5564.”He understands that once you’ve got thyroid disease, you probably have other endocrine imbalances. He promptly tests/treats your adrenal glands, runs a sex hormone panel, and checks pituitary function. He knows that a deficiency in HGH, TST, DHEA, or cortisol, for example, will leave you feeling just as bad as thyroid disease, and that hypothyroidism often results in such imbalances”

Take matters in to your own hands! I finally had to give up on doctors and have been self treating for several years. Due to the lack of decent treatment I now have a racing heart, palpitations, irregular beat that lasts for nine to ten hours, breathing issues, have had a hysterectomy, celiacs, vitiligo, and on and on it goes. Get the book Stop the Thyroid Madness and it will tell you where all of the natural thyroid medications are made. Start out with 1/2 to one pill and very slowly increase your dose until you are symptom free.

I am so afraid to try to self treat for hypothyroidism … although I believe it is my thyroid that is causing the majority of my issues, every time I see a doctor that says, ‘well, your thyroid is low, but still in the normal range’, I find myself doubting it is my thyroid and I’ve just become lazy. If I self treat and it’s not my thyroid, i could potentially do more harm than good. I just wish i could get a doctor to do all the proper tests, but at this point I’ve spent too much money and I am a single mom just trying to survive without health insurance and can’t afford to keep throwing money at well meaning but uniformed physicians’ feets!

Thank you so much for this list. I am hypothyroid. I frequently get the rapid heartbeat. That scares me so much I have gone to the emergency room & to a cardiologist.
The cardiologist did a lot of tests on my heart. The results came back normal. There is no reason why my heart should be rapidly beading. My heart itself is fine. So why do I get these rapid heartbeat attacks?
I am on the verge of tears as I post this to you right now. I do not say it for sympathy, but because I am scared. I feel like I have all of the above symptoms. But this heart thing, scares me the most.
April 9 I am going to an endocrinologist. My general practitioner give me Synthroid back in October. Caused severe chest pains and rapid heartbeat. I was off of it in less than two months. I’ve been off medicine ever since Thanksgiving.
I feel like I cannot wait until April 9. That I will die from this rapid heartbeat thing. I am awake all night because of it. It scares me so bad I am scared to sleep thinking I will die.
I can feel it from thump thump. It does not last forever, but it feels like forever.
Why would this happen to me? I am hypo thyroid not hyper thyroid.
I have all of the other symptoms too. I feel like I am falling apart. I am 37 years old. My 38th birthday is April 8. I am lucky I found this new doctor. I hope she puts me on medicine right away and it helps me with no side effects.
I want to go to the hospital right now. But I know what they will do, it will say I am anxious or having a panic attack. And when I tell them about the hypothyroid they will say I am a not on medicine so that is the reason. All of my heart tests are normal. Has anyone else ever experienced this?
I was diagnosed with panic disorder at 18. I know the difference. I feel as if doctors do not take me serious when I speak of my hypothyroid & symptoms. They want to pat me on the head and give me a lollipop. I feel like they treat hypothyroid like it’s PMS or menstrual cramps. Its just not that serious, no big deal, now go little girl so I can treat somebody with a serious disease, you’re wasting my time.
That’s how I feel.
I am scared and I am alone in this. If anyone out there is reading this and can remotely relate to what I am saying, please let me know. I feel so alone and so helpless.
I do not want to die but I feel like I am going to die, or go crazy, or hurt myself, or do drugs just to numb the symptoms in the pain.
Thank you all for listening to me today. It is raining and I need to take a shower but I am too weak to do so. My husband is coming to bring me to eat. I just took my rx klonopin hoping that will help my nerves. 1mg. 3x daily as needed.
Hopefully next week I will be on a new thyroid medication and she can suggest supplements to support me too.
I hope you all are having a blessed day and feel good today.
Bless all of you. If nobody told you that they loved you today, well, I’m telling you. All of us hypothyroid gals need to stick together

Hello!
I was scrolling through the comments and I felt like I was reading my own story! I have been freaking out over the heart palpitations and chest pain! I started Synthroid in December (was on levothyroxine for two years before but had gag reflex problems) and had my first experience with the heart stuff in January. I went to the doctor immediately and they acted like I was insane. My heart is fine according to their tests. My doctor increased my dose and the symptoms subsided and my levels tested normal. Then just this past week the chest pain and random fast heartbeat came back! It makes me so scared and anxious and mad! I hate feeling this way and feeling like nobody listens or understands. Please let me know if you have tried anything that has helped since your last post! I never made the connection to my switch with Synthroid but I plan on seeing my doctor to discuss it. Hang in there- don’t let this get the best of you!

It is well known that different brands of thyroid pills may affect your body differently and I have certainly experienced it.

In my case, heart palpitations and a racing heart were caused by taking too much thyroid, not too little. You might want to look up hyperthyroid or thyroid overdose symptoms to see if any are familiar. I had to work with various Dr.’s and change my dose many times over a period of years; eventually I overreacted and had my dose lowered too much and started suffering from hypo symptoms, though my heart finally slowed down! I am now pretty happy on my dose, which involves taking different dosage pills on different days, since my right dose seems to fall in between two pill dosages. I think the symptoms might be fairly slow to adjust, so you may need to be patient while taking your pills in a very consistent manner. I find taking on an empty stomach in the morning, not eating for about an hour, and avoiding any and all medications that may interfere with thyroid meds is best. Of course, if you are taking your pills now in a way that interferes with the medication, you may overdose if you stop doing those things!

Probably the most important thing is to find an endocrinologist or internist who takes the symptoms seriously and will work with you on adjusting your dose or finding the right pills. See Dana Trentini’s post below for links to Dr. recommendation sites.

Oh Bella, I’m so sorry that you’re going through this and believe me I know how frightening it can be. Having thyroid disease is bad enough, but when it morphs into other auto-immune diseases as well, it’s the pits. I’m not going to go into a ton of history here, but I’ve had hypothyroidism for many years (30+) and went undiagnosed for years before I found a doctor who actually listened to me. It wasn’t until my hair was falling out, I had almost no body hair and was on the verge of having a pace-maker put in to help my very low heart rate that I was diagnosed. By this point I felt like a melting candle, was afraid to go to sleep as I knew one of these times I wouldn’t wake up and the final blow, I couldn’t remember how to write an ‘S’. Talk about freaked out. I suffered years of insomnia even after I went on medication due to this. I now have other auto-immune diseases including Sjogrens, and Graves disease. Don’t let anyone tell you that Graves disease only happens to people who have hyperthyroid disease and don’t assume both eyes have to be bulging. It’s not true and I’ve had the radiation and surgery to prove it.

Anyway, I wanted to tell you about my rapid heartbeat issues just in case you’re having the same problem. These attacks come out of the blue. I can be reading, watching a comedy, anything really and then Bam! No warning, no reasonable explanation. I too had my heart checked out many times, was told they were panic attacks, anxiety, the whole bit and handed medication. Did these cause anxiety? You bet they did, but the anxiety came AFTER the attack started. Again, anxiety did not bring on the attacks, they were a result of them. Thankfully I have a new and open minded young doctor. One day I rushed to see him during an attack and he listened to me. A urine test showed that I had an elevated adrenalin level. This led to 24 hour urine test and again it was elevated. A cat scan revealed a tumor on my adrenal gland. They are watching it, but so far leaving it be as it’s small and not growing, but rouge adrenal cells can cause havoc and ‘rushes’ for no reason, making your heart rate go wild. There is no cure and no treatment, but it helps to know what’s actually going on when these hit you. I do have anxiety drugs I use when I need to, but they only help me deal with the ‘rush’, after the fact.

The other thing in your post that concerns me is the klonopin. I tried that drug after my last (and worst) attack. For the first 10 days or so I thought it was going to be okay and then I began to think often of suicide as a perfectly acceptable solution to my problem. It was very insidious. I didn’t really have any emotional response to the idea, it just became an option whose appeal grew a little each day. My attitude was, why not? That would work! In fact it seemed like such a good idea I told my husband and daughter about it. Thank God they acted quickly and got me off the drug or I’m 100% positive I wouldn’t be here to write this post, so be careful. I don’t know if any of this is helpful, but you post sounded so familiar to me I was compelled to write. I pray you find a doctor who can help you. Blessings, Stevie

Bella,
I can relate. My thyroid tests are frequently in a normal range. Lately my TSH has been falling and so I look even more normal than usual but I fear and well KNOW I’m making a swing to a hyper-thyroid state. I am 99% sure I have Hashi’s. I have a nodule on my thyroid, non-cancerous, and my thyroid is enlarged and it swells. I am often gagging and choking or hoarse and I get crazy almost carpel-tunnel like pain in my collar bone region and into my shoulders that makes me shudder. I have the crazy heart-palpitations. My blood pressure meds help and if I keep my head elevated to a certain place or leaned back to a certain angle, I don’t hear the blood rushing to my head and can sleep (the zyrtec and singulair I take every night also helps.)

My bpm is always over 99 – usually over 100 and it is scaring me. I find that I am just planning for death at any time. I am 41 years old. There is nothing wrong with my heart either but I fear a stroke or heart-attack all the same. I am short of breath all the time. I have been walking quite a lot – I weigh a lot too but just got back from an overseas trip and I should be in good enough shape that I should not be weasing but frequently, I have trouble breathing.

I’m terrified and I want and need resolution. The girl who said she feels like she is carrying a ball and chain was dead on. I carry this every day and no one understands. I just cop to the fact that I’m psycho now as it’s just easier than trying to explain how awful it is. No one is there. No one believes. I’ll act crazy because I have every right. I’ll do what I want, have what I want, buy what I want, and be who I want as I too believe death could come any day.

And I’m tired of being treated like I’m just a diabetes patient who deserves her fate. I have left so many endos. I’m not giving up. I had trAB antibodies show up recently but not TPO or TPAB. Hopefully I will get some help and attention soon and I pray the rest of you do too! Good Luck out there!

Hi…I felt I needed to respond when you mentioned that anti bodies have recently been found. Everyone has a certain amount of anti bodies (even thyroid) so this is not always an autoimmune disease (check some of the lab sites for this information). You have a nodule which is a fact….if anti body levels are high then I would think Hash. I had TBII (old test) at 25 but anything under 34.9 is normal (canadian standard).
There are so many over lap symptoms with thyroid…a sure fire hyper is red palms and flushing of face…sweating with a cold sensation afterwards (like a fever chill), thirst (dry mouth), and racing thoughts…I hope you find a good Dr. to help you…I have a great GP who has taken my care over after three failed grades from endos’…I will never fo to another one.

Dina and Bella, I am in the same boat. First off, I am so thankful to Dana for this website! But I, too, am in that frustrating stage of trying to get help for what I am sure is thyroid/adrenal related, but because tests are “normal” my concerns are shrugged off.

My symptoms started about 10 years ago, with my only pregnancy (I was 26). I loved being pregnant, it seemed like I was flooded with calming hormones – it was great! But I developed pregnancy-induced hypertension, and had to be induced 3 1/2 weeks early because my blood pressure was through the roof. My daughter was small, just a couple of ounces from being low birth weight, and she was jaundiced. I didn’t have the ‘baby blues’, but I was always so tired – I remember having to put my daughter in a playpen and then collapsing on the floor, literally unable to move. But I thought, hey, that’s just being a new mom, right? The weight wouldn’t come off (and I was always thin before) – I caught myself constantly trying to explain away my weight by saying “but I just had a baby” – however, that ‘baby’ was 5 years old by then!

About that time (when I was 30) I started having the ‘ever-lasting period’ and terrible PMS-like symptoms. So I went to an OBGYN that I had not seen before. She only said that my symptoms were “age”, and that everything was normal (sigh). So I resigned myself to that fate for a couple of more years, until I decided to see a new OBGYN who is great, and she listened and very quickly I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and started on birth control. The birth control helped a lot, but I still was so tired and sluggish all the time. I started having trouble staying asleep – always could go to bed easily, but would wake up around 2:00am. I also had a gnawing under my right ribs, but by the time I thought I would see a doctor about it, it would go away. I still have that sensation intermittently.

The a year and half ago the bottom dropped out – I was having a lot of stress (having to deal with a move, daughter got her tonsils out, etc) and I dropped 20 lbs in less than a month without even trying. I was no longer sluggish – I had to move! I constantly felt like I had had several Red Bulls, but I only drink one coffee in the morning – so jittery, the only thing that helped was to constantly move (my home had never been so clean!). The insomnia was getting worse, so I started taking OTC sleeping pills. I started having short term memory problems – I was worried that maybe it was early-onset Alzheimer’s! An internet search showed that the OTC sleeping pills can cause memory loss, so I quit taking them. An awful cycle of anxiety and depression started. I worried about everything, was extremely irritable, cried over any little thing. I became extremely sensitive to light and noise. My breathing and heart rate were very fast all the time, and constantly had heart palpitations – I felt like I was dying or close to having a stroke. My hair started falling out in clumps. But the worst, perhaps, was the intense adrenaline rushes that would come about for seemingly no reason – I could feel a burning pain in my lower back and a that awful fight or flight sensation, and I would become uncontrollably tearful. Just awful.

Finally went to a doctor in October. I tried to explain my symptoms, but ended up crying uncontrollably in the doctor’s office. The doctor focused on the anxiety and depression and referred my to a psychologist. The doctor also perseverated on the idea that I might be bi-polar, but I don’t and have never presented with the extreme behaviors of bi-polar. We did many blood tests, TSH was 2.78, Free T4 1.1 and Total T3 was 112. Vitamin D was 21 (range 30-80). All other blood tests were normal as well, although total protein was borderline high (8.4 out of range 6.5 -8.4), sodium borderline low (138 range 136 – 144). I started checking into my family’s medical history – found out my sister is hypothyroid (we live far apart and don’t talk to each other as much as we should) and she and I share so many of the same symptoms. My mother and maternal aunts have diabetes and gallstone problems, my mother has a benign tumor on her adrenal gland, and I had an aunt die of pancreatic cancer. So, the next time I went to the doctor I asked for a FULL thyroid panel, but my doctor refused. I asked for just the antibodies test, but my doctor refused.

I finally allowed my doctor to prescribe an antidepressant, and looking back I am glad to have started Zoloft. I no longer have anxious/depressed thoughts, and I am grateful for that. I also wore a heart monitor for a month (I guess I will learn the results of that in a week at my next Dr. appointment – unfortunately just got the bill – $400 out of pocket!). But I still have the insomnia (have a sleep study scheduled in a month), and I still startle so easily – I jump a mile high if a noise startles me or if someone lightly touches me. I’m still so sensitive to noise and light. I have an extremely tender spot on my lower back, and it still burns if I have an adrenaline rush. I have good days and bad – on good days I feel like myself and pretty good for a 36 year old. On bad days I feel like I have the flu, with body aches and no physical motivation. I have to live on Advil those days. For the past month I’ve had an intermittent but daily mild/moderate ear ache. I still have the memory loss and feeling like I’m in a fog. On bad days I can hardly make it up my stairs without getting short of breathe and wheezing like a locomotive. I’m cold all the time. My wedding band, which is loose during the day, is tight at night and my hands and feet throb when I’m in bed. I’ve also noticed many nights before I go to bed that my face and hands are bright red. For the past month I constantly have muscle twitches all over my body (painless, but annoying). On bad days I feel so old. But it’s so strange, because I do feel so good on the good days, almost good enough to make me forget the bad days. But the bad days always come back!

I’m tired of spending so much time and money on things like heart monitors and sleep studies when I know that the problem is thyroid/adrenal/endocrine. I think that I have Hashimoto’s, but don’t know for sure since the doctor refuses to do the tests. I don’t want to sit on my hands and wait until whatever is wrong with me is full-blown. I want to change doctors but am afraid that my anxiety/depression diagnosis will just follow me to the next doctor – I’m tired of not being taken seriously.

I’m in UK, Graves attack 2007, didn’t know I had it until then, had successful block and replace treatment but for the last year have been feeling increasingly unwell, rapid heart beat, palpitations, joint pains, brain fog, acne, skin rashes, extreme fatigue etc etc. I’m not on medication at the moment and think my thyroid might have started to ‘burn out’, quite common apparently with Graves. I’m convinced my levels are off but TSH keeps coming back as normal (1.5, which is high for me), GP refusing to test FT3 FT4 as TSH looks normal. It’s very annoying. Have now got an appointment to see consultant (earliest is a month’s wait!!), so hopefully will have full test soon. Sorry, point I wanted to make is that my palpitations and heart irregularities have improved a lot by taking mineral and vitamin supplements, not huge amounts, just the one a day stuff from the local store and some extra calcium and magnesium, which is good for heart health anyway. The palpitations have not gone away but at least now I can sleep, it was so bad a few months ago I was sure the beating was shaking the bed! There is a lot of literature on the web about thyroid patients not being able to absorb vitamins and minerals well, so it makes sense to take a little extra. It has been quite successful for me.

I am hypothyroid. Before I found this out I was having heart racing episodes and episodes where it would beat so hard that it felt like it was coming out of my chest! I could not get doctors to believe me because I would wear the Holter monitor and it would always be normal because it would not happen when I was wearing it. After a couple of years I started having longer episodes of my heart racing so I ran to the ER hoping that they would see it and they did! Finally! It was beating at 205 beats per minute. It had already been about 40 minutes by the time I got there. I was so happy that I cried from sheer relief because at this point even my husband did not believe me. After being treated by a cardiologist with medication for a year and a half and still having to have my heart “converted” 2 more times at the ER I finally had an ablation. They go in and zap the nerve that is causing the electrical problem and it worked! I have not had an episode since. It was still a year or so before I was diagnosed with my thyroid cyst and hypo. Turns out my dad takes the same medication for his thyroid and also has the heart racing episodes. His are usually short though so he has not had to have the procedure. I was told by the heart doc that I had “Wolff Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome. You are probably having an electrical issue and this is why it does not show up on heart tests. I had several tests done that were all normal, it was not until I was able to present myself while it was happening that I finally got someone to listen. Hope this helps.

Hi Donna,
I have had the heart palpitations also. I was in the hospital for two days and all kinds of test run. Nothing! It is scary because you think you are having a heart attack and no one believes you, you even doubt yourself. I lay there and just pray, God get me through another night. I think the anxiety from not knowing increases the heart rate to where you can hear your own heart beating and you think it is going to stop any minute. I was told years ago that my thyroid was out of whack and they wanted me on medication. I went to church, got prayed for and all symptoms left. That was 25 years ago. Now I am menopausal and have more than half the symptoms others have. Night sweats, tingling in fingers and legs sometimes, depression, inability to think straight, forgetfulness, and moodiness. My Christian faith helps me over ride most of these things because Joy is the best medicine for anything. However, I am beginning to think my thyroid is out of whack after reading all of these statements. I was actually reading this because my daughter who is over weight and having issues losing it, sent this to me to explain what she may have. GOD is good isn’t He?! He always shows up when you need Him to. Get help sister, then get prayer too!

I’m sorry to hear this has happened to you Marybeth. If you have symptoms in this article then yes absolutely be sure your thyroid is fully tested. Here in this article you’ll find a chart of recommended labs and optimal ranges from thyroid advocate Mary Shomon from the About.com Thyroid website that you should ask your doctors to do for you.

Get dr.brownsteins book on overcoming thyroid disorders.i also had rapid heart beat and was at the hos.numerous times.you have to keep trying til you find a good dr. I just found one yesterday.i was on levothyroxine and it just wasn’t helping much.dr.brownstein tested 6000. Patents and 94 Percent were iodine deficient.he also mostly uses armor thyroid.you really need to read his book and educate yourself and you will feel better and know it’s not your heart but your thyroid.he has a great supplement that him and team of dr.s developed from medic select.has iodine and other thing that support your thyrod.i also had normal tests but they were only testing T 4. They have to test T3.hang in there.i am 65 and wish I had figured it out when I was younger.better late then never.

I have this too, and I am writing down my blood pressure, that has been very high.
I reported this to my endo, but the blood work came back “fine”. I figured my synthroid does was too high. It was the last time and he dropped it to 100mcg, and I was fine. A month later, same feeling, like I am going to explode, and my TSH is “normal”.
My primary care doctor just stood there, staring at me. I was trembling like I have Parkinsons, right in front of him.
Its frustrating when they rely solely on blood work but then ignore a blood pressure of 145/110? My normal is 120/75.

Hello my name is Rebecca,
Has anyone on here had issue with their thyroid destroying itself as apposed to becoming enlarged? I was born with both thyroid glands and have battled hypo for over six years ” diagnosed” and I’m sure even longer without knowing. I went to endo about a year ago and they told me I was either ” born without ” the keft thyroid or it was a birth defect. But I have had both sides checked before and Never had an issue with it being destroyed till recently.
In addition to telling me it was a congenital thing, they told me there was nothing they could do. I have family history of Hashimoto’s and have begged to be checked by now five drs. I have been turned down by them al. I have also asked to see another endo but again was denied.
Any advice or tips would be great. Ty

Thanks for commenting Angela. Over the years I’ve suffered from episodes of dizziness. Your dizziness could be the result of other causes, however if you have hypothyroidism it may be a signal that you have not been treated properly for your condition. Have you been diagnosed with hypothyroidism? Have you spoken to your doctor about your dizziness?

The dizziness you’re experiencing is likely due to low adrenal function. Low adrenal function goes hand in hadn with low thyroid hormone and needs to be treated. The symptoms can get mixed up with each other. Often you feel better lying down with low adrenal function and when you stand up or sit up you can feel dizzy whilst the blood pressure sorts itself out. You can just be overcome by dizziness and I found a few times I was woken up by this dizziness.
I take a number of vitamins and minerals to support adrenal function; you can have a spit test to check your cortisol and DHEA levels. I had hormonal symptoms and so got my Dr to prescribe DHEA as well as Vit C, Vit E, Vit B and additional B3 and B5 and B12. A herb called Ashwaghanda is an ‘adaptogen’ which is good for adrenal fatigue.
The other thing to check is whether you have a yeast infection and if you have taken antibiotics for any reason, its likely you have, although symptoms may not be obvious. Change your diet to cut out sweets and sugars, some say yeast too, and take antifungal foods such as garlic etc. A good antifungal I have tried is Lufenuron off the internet it is very effective. You need at least 4-6 doses over 4-6months about £20 a sachet (lasts one month) but well worth it.
Yeast, Adrenal and thyroid are inextricably linked; if you have problems with one its likely you’ll have problems with the others too.

Sorry forgot to mention supporting adrenals requires the supplements I mentioned in my previous post but also I forgot to mention
magnesium and phosphorus too;
these are very important. The other thing is I am unsure if you know this, but when taking a single mineral you should also take in addition to the single mineral a multimineral supplement too and the same goes for taking single B vitamins such as the two I mentioned B3 and B5, you should also take a Vitamin B complex in addition to the single B vitamins highlighted.
Hypothyroid sufferers tend to have low or no CALCITONIN; a hormone produced by different cells within the thyroid gland; it follows if your thyroid isnt producing and releasing thyroid hormone it will not be producing and releasing calcitonin either. This is one more benefit to taking NDT rather than synthetic hormones for low thyroid function; it includes calcitonin.
Calcitonin is essential to bone health and because it is depleted in hypothyroidism sufferers are prone to osteoporosis. Calcitonin forces calcium out of the blood.
The thyroid gland hosts four other tiny bundles of cells which form four separate glands within it, these are the parathyroid glands. These glands work independantly of the thyroid to produce their own hormone and may not be affected by your thyroid dysfunction; depending on the problem causing the dysfunction. These gland produce parathyroid hormone which has the absolute opposite effect to calcitonin that is it encourages calcium into the blood circulation. Obviously this when balanced works in perfect harmony with other elements such as Vitamin D and magnesium and other minerals to make healthy bones. When the balance is upset bone health is compromised.
If calcium is not encouraged out of the blood due to lack of calcitonin but is encouraged into the blood by good production of parathyroid hormone then you can see there is a problem with bone health but much more than that, since calcium should not be circulating in the blood but rather deposited in our bones. >99% in our bones and <1% circulating and extracellular. The bones are the mineral pantry/store room in our body. Calcium is responsible for hardening concrete and has the same effect in our bones; when circulating iat high levels around the body it will deposit in other places and encourage calcification such as kidneys gall bladder and arteries, etc.
Calcium is required in tiny amounts in normal health, to remain outside our cells and with magnesium as the door keeper it is allowed inside the cells whereby it makes an electrical charge, magnesium then ensures calcium goes outside the cells after the electrical charge is made. This happens normally in a rhythmic and regular manner specifically under the control of magnesium. Thyroid dysfunction sees high calcium levels and low or deficient magnesium levels and in this situation the magnesium doorkeeper in the cells is deficient or abscent and calcium now circulating in excess has easy access into the cells with nothing to encourage it out of the cells. The rhthymic electrical charges become chaotic, uncoordinated and as a result less effective, it follows that cellular acitivity is disrupted in the process. So the cells have low thyroid hormone and chaotic electrical charges, no wonder our body doesnt function well and we feel so awful; its not al in your head.
So you should not take foods with added calcium and no supplements of calcium and you should take magnesium and Vitamin D (particularly in the UK.) is also a good idea.
Adrenals glands must have magnesium in good levels to function well and you can see how thyroid dysfunction disrupts that. Adrenal magnesium and bone magnesium is depleted so as to balance the problem inside the cells, bones and adrenals are depleted of the mineral. Other organs which absolutely must have magnesium include the brain and the heart and these take preference. Only about half of magnesium levels are stored in our bones and in normal good health around half is elsewhere as described. This is a very important mineral.

hi Sally.i crave chocolate all the time.i eat 4-5 king sized cakes of it a week,rollo is me fav.i don’t put on any weight. so it would be the magnesium my body’s craving.smile ,having an aaaahhhhaaa moment,

Hi, Yes certainly the craving could be due to magnesium deficiency. Cocoa is a very nutritious food, however, milk and white chocolate mainly loose the nutrient content as they are highly processed. Dark chocolate with high cocoa content is the best chocolate to eat and gives you more of the nutrients and particularly magnesium. However, it is much better to get your nutrients from a variety of foods; good quality fresh foods that is. Cravings indicate a deficiency and when a deficiency is apparent it is necessary to make up the deficiency with supplementation.
Those with deficiency should wonder why this has occurred; usually digestive problems. Hypothyroidism is responsible for digestive problems for example low hydrochloric acid in the stomach, low pancreatic secretions, low bile secretion, etc. This in turn causes poor absorption of nutrients from our foods. Check your diet and ensure you are getting a healthy diet.
Please note Hydrochloric acid is produced by cells in the stomach wall, alongside hydrochloric acid something called Intrinsic Factor is also produced. When HCL (hydrochloric acid), is low, then so too is IF (Intrinsic Factor). IF is necessary for the body to absorb Vitamin B12; therefore many hypothyroids will be B12 deficient or on the way to becoming deficient – it takes around 5-7 years to use up all the B12 stored by your body.
Many hypothyroids will suffer digestive problems such as indigestion, stomach cramps, yeast infection, etc. Indigestion is caused by LOW levels of HCL and should supplement HCL at the time of eating a meal. Many will be given the opposite advice, they will be told that gastric reflux is due to too much HCL and given drugs to further reduce the amount of HCL produced by the stomach. This will cause many additional problems to those they already suffer. Increasing HCL will help the ‘Cardiac Sphincter’ at the top of the stomach and base of the oesophagus to close firmly and prevent further leakage or reflux. Adequate HCL allows for improved breakdown of protein and absorption of nutrients.
Look into increasing all digestive enzymes to further improve digestion.
Candida or yeast infection will occur due to low levels of HCL, as yeast is taken in with our food, even when breathing as yeasts are floating in the air; thing go making Soda bread. If you had antibiotics too killing off good gut bacteria, you are definitely likely to cause yeast to proliferate and cause systemic yeast infection.
Sugar is a craving many complain of when they have a yeast infection. I would suggest if you are craving Rolo, then you are craving sugar to feed the yeast infection you have; which you may or may not know about. You need to sort out this yeast infection and many symptoms will resolve; sugar craving being one.
This way you can improve your diet further as you will make improved food choices. There is plenty of information available, so I have only given you more food for thought. !! sorry pun not intended!!!
Best of luck.

Thanks Sally for the great advice here in your comments. Absolutely adrenal function is intricately connected to thyroid function. Saliva testing for adrenal testing is a must for all thyroid sufferers. I wish more mainstream doctors would test the adrenals. Thanks for sharing.

I read a book that draws together fibro and adhd – and the author talks about the thyroid – but I never came across anything until reading your list that includes mention of elevated liver enzymes. My current doctor wants to see me again for liver testing – he thinks the ADHD meds might be causing it – but I am trying to explain to him that I have had elevated liver enzymes since forever.

Dr. C**** tested me for thyroid and found nothing wrong. Are there additional special tests I need to take??

ADHD can also be treated with a diet free of artificial colors and flavors. Thyroid problems can make it worse, but that isn’t as common. See http://www.ADHDdiet.com for more information. The web site is sponsored by a non-profit organization.

Hi Irena, every part of the body including the liver can be affected by low thyroid. Now at the same time there are reasons why people develop elevated liver enzymes and liver disease apart from thyroid health. If you would like a very comprehensive article on the connection between liver function and thyroid health:

Thank you for commenting. Interestingly in my research I too have found a close link between ADHD, fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones are needed by practically every cell in the body so it makes sense that an underactive thyroid would impact every organ and practically every aspect of health.

Many patients are told by their doctors that their thyroid is working fine, however in mainstream medicine there is a tendency to rely on TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) as the gold standard for diagnosis. TSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland in our brain that stimulates the thyroid gland in our necks to produce thyroid hormones. While TSH is an important blood test to take, it does not provide a complete picture of thyroid function. Traditional doctors often fail to do a complete thyroid panel that should include at the least TSH, Total T4, Free T4, Total T3, Free T3, Reverse T3 and Thyroid Antibodies. My post next Monday will go over thyroid blood testing in depth.

Hi, my 21 year old daughter recently returned home after a 3 year absence. She is suffering with extreme sadness and anxiety which has impeded her career and is as yet unexplained.
Her sister suffers with Graves and has had her thyroid removed.
I took Dzintra to the Dr to have a thyroid blood test believing that her symptoms were similar and perhaps she may have the same or similar diagnosis. Her bloods came back normal.
I’m confused, because I know that there is something chemically unbalanced with her, and no, she is not taking drugs. I’m taking her back to the Doctor in two weeks so the serotonin that was prescribed in the last visit can be reviewed, and I’m hoping to be able to ask that the thyroid be somehow rechecked. Can you give me some advice?
I’m so looking forward to your comments.
Best regards,
Romana

Hi Dana,
A client mentioned that during her routine thyroid test the doctor said that her thyroid was quite low. She has been treated for hypothyroidism for 30 years, since the birth of her only son. Seems odd to me that her thyroid is ‘quite low’ while on treatement. At 65 she is quite lively and busy all the time. Her main problems are weight maintenance and dry hair and nails.

Hi Johann,
Thank you for commenting. Without knowing the specific details of your client’s condition such as what specific thyroid tests have been done, what medication she is taking, what symptoms she is experiencing, if her change in condition is a one time occurrence or if her thyroid health has been deteriorating over time, etc., it is not possible to say one particular reason for her change in condition. This question had my mind racing with so many possibilities. For example, in my case, my thyroid levels are particularly susceptible to stress. I have noticed that my thyroid levels worsen during particularly stressful times in my life, this includes physical and emotional stress. Also, my thyroid levels change with the changing weather. For example during this time of year where I live, my thyroid levels typically worsen with the coming cold weather and then improve when the warm weather begins in spring. Also, there may be underlying issues causing a worsening of her thyroid levels, such as toxins, allergens, infections, digestive issues, etc. There are so many possibilities. I would welcome your client here on my blog. Tell her to feel free and contact me.

I will forward her to your blog for more detail. I’m certain her husband’s surgery and all the therapy may have added a stress component to her test results. Of course other factors play a role and thanks for the tip.
Johann

It is difficult to understand what your client or her Dr means by ‘your thyroid is low’? Do that mean its at the height of her belly button, her TSH levels are low or her thyroid hormones are low? Clarification would help.However, you say she is sprightly and therefore it maybe her TSH is low and Dr is getting worried she is hyper thyroid. If she feels well personally I wouldnt worry; certainly when taking thyroid hormones to supplement your own it is common for the TSH to be low very low even and to feel well.
The pituitary is much more sensitive to circulating thyroid hormones than the rest of our body’s cells and taking supplements of thyroid hormone is bound therefore to cause a low TSH; its nothing to worry about IF she feels well.

I never knew my thyroid caused so many of the issues that I have. I’ve been diagnosed for about 8 years and I’m only 20 years old. I’ve had a child two years ago and got preeclampsia and congestive heart failure after delivery. I’m scared for what my future holds with my thyroid, but I’m not giving up on making the best out of it! I am having a lot of trouble staying awake and losing weight, what can I do to help?!

Hello Kirsten,
I am very sorry to hear the symptoms you have suffered. I am happy you found me at Hypothyroid Mom. Please don’t be afraid. There is hope for those of us with hypothyroidism. It’s about taking charge of your health and understanding the symptoms, proper diagnosis and treatment and finding a great thyroid doctor. Getting in the best thyroid health is the way to diminish if not prevent these symptoms from happening to you. First off, what thyroid tests has your doctor done? Do you know your test scores? What thyroid replacement medication are you on? You should have at the least your TSH, Total T4, Free T4, Total T3, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies tested. My blog post that will come up tomorrow morning, goes in depth on these issues. In case your doctor will not do all these tests for you, you may consider making an appointment with another doctor that understands thyroid health. Thyroid patient advocate Mary Shomon, has an extensive list of top thyroid doctors across the US and internationally.

Thank you for commenting. The thyroid gland controls our metabolism, so if our thyroid is not functioning properly, we struggle with weight issues. When I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my weight kept climbing higher and higher, yet I was exercising and eating well. I couldn’t figure it out. It wasn’t until I found a great thyroid doctor who did a proper diagnosis with complete thyroid blood panel, medical history, family history, symptoms and physical examination, and prescribed a natural desiccated thyroid called Nature-throid that I finally started to lose weight. Everyone is different and what drug works best for them is individual, however for me Nature-throid works great. Also, many hypothyroid sufferers have a problem with gluten in their diet. Once I eliminated gluten from my diet the weight came off very quickly.

Please read my post “Top 5 Reasons Doctors Fail To Diagnose Hypothyroidism” to be sure your doctor has diagnosed you properly. Make sure your doctor has done all the proper tests. Do you know your lab results? What medication are you on?

Hi, I would like to know about how can I also lose weight? I have dark circles under my eyes and they itch often. If someone would please tell me what can I do about the hair loss. I understand where you are coming from please I need some help on this issue. Thyroid problems are so hard to explain to your dr. Please will someone help me with these problems I never experience this before.

Weight issues and hair loss are very real symptoms for hypothyroidism sufferers. First, you must make sure you’ve had all the proper thyroid tests: Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s (TPO-Ab and TgAb) and antibodies for Graves (TSI), iron and ferritin, sex hormone levels including testosterone, adrenal testing, vitamin D3, B12, zinc, magnesium and selenium. All these factors are common issues for hypothyroidism sufferers and if there is an issue for you that needs to be addressed before you will see improvement in weight and hair loss. When you get your testing feel free to contact me with your results and the normal reference ranges. Get a copy of your lab results.

Mary Shomon has a great book on hair loss and another book on weight loss. Her books are great with helpful tips.

Had thyroid removed in 2000 and have been good with Armour Thyroid. Just short period with adrenal fatigue and migraines. Went to a naturopath who put me ln blood type diet A and supplents but it was the holistic MD who put me on DHEA compounded time release 10 mg that cleared the migraines. Dx with diabetes they’ve changed my meds. Januvia gave me depression. Metformin made my Armour make my body race I ve been on Actos now I just take 1/2 of 15 mg and no more metformin and my numbers are staying down also eat low carb. Still take the DHEA for brain fog. Are others going through this. I also take Vit D that helps and Vit B Complex and a iron blood support vitamin. I get weak spells.

Hi Karen, Absolutely many hypothyroidism sufferers also have issues with adrenals including high or low cortisol and DHEA, as well as low vitamin D3, B12. What are your Free T4 and Free T3 levels on Armour? I’m not sure if you are on Facebook but thyroid doctor Dr. Wiggy includes a great post attached that states: “Free T3 should “optimally” be in upper quartile not just “normal”.

I have had the test done, I know that I have hypothyroid( graves) but what can my dr do to get me back to myself.
Dr. already put me on levothyroxine 88mg. I still don’t feel like I should. I’m confused about this thyroid problem. I was taking 50mg, 100mg and then they change me to 88mg. I don’t understand I look like my looks are fading how can I get my life back in order. I was out going now I just want to go out when I have to. It seems like when I turn 50 everything started going down hill. I’m so glad I found someone to talk about this complex disease I have no sex drive, hair falling out, my eyes have dark circles, I can’t take my iron tablets, calcium, eat certain foods, I swell up, my ears ring, I want to know what is going with me, what should I expect of this graves disease what can I tell my dr. that might help me, to get me back to myself . I know that I premenopause. Please can you give me some help on this I don’t know what to do. I need to know what medicines to avoid foods, over the counter vitamins, what is best to drink, everything. I don’t have much information but told by dr. to avoid sugar, drinks and breads. when to take these things I can take my iron any more it make me feel bad what do I need to tell my dr. to get him to understand where I am coming from. I also have endocrinologist. Just need some to understand so I will know how to explain it to my doctors! Looks like I have all kinds of symptoms, I can’t name them all.

Hi Beverley,
Can I add to Dana’s good advice, I notice you say you can’t tolerate certain things at the moment and that includes Iron and Calcium supplements. There is information about how to improve your digestion amongst these comments on this page, can I suggest you look at that , for most Hypothyroids the information applies. Further can I just mention, as Dana repeats time and again on here, you need your Iron levels testing before taking supplements, as high Iron levels are goitrogenic.
Further again, those of us who have Hypothyroidism DO NOT need and should not take Calcium supplements; unless you have a rare disease which requires you to. Calcium is also a goitrogen but can cause far more harm that that. If you have hypothyroidism you are likely to have low levels of Calcitonin. Calcitonin is released from the thyroid gland with thyroid hormone. If you suffer low levels of thyroid hormone you will suffer low levels of Calcitonin.
Calcitonin removes Calcium from the circulating blood into your bones. >99% of calcium should be deposited in your bones and less than 1% should be circulating and or extra cellular. If you are low in Calcitonin the calcium continues to circulate in your blood, at which point it behaves badly and deposits itself around the body causing calcification and much more. It disrupts the electrical charge which normally takes place rhythmically in an organised manner in the cells, disrupting the ability of the cells to function.
If you take NDT of any sort, you will be getting Calcitonin alongside the four other thyroid hormones, and that will help. This is another benefit of NDT.
Vitamin D is helpful for bones, but also all other minerals and NOT just calcium.
The other most important thing for all Hypothyroid sufferers is to take MAGNESIUM. Around 50% of magnesium is deposited as a mineral in the body’s mineral stores alongside calcium and all minerals; the bones. However, around 50% will also be circulating around the body. Magnesium is crucial for good brain and heart function and for our old friends the adrenals. However, it also has a vital function in the cells. It acts as headmistress to the unruly calcium ensuring calcium does not misbehave and disrupt that electrical charge. Magnesium allows calcium into and forces it out of the cell; so that calcium can instigate a rhythmic and orderly electrical charge, enabling good cell function.
Hypothyroidism depletes the body of magnesium and with the high levels of calcium circulating due to low calcitonin levels, the balance of these two minerals is disrupted. When calcium is dominant numerous problems occur. Some people experience Restless Leg Syndrome which is due to this imbalance between these two minerals and can be relieved by taking magnesium supplements. Many wrongly think they should take calcium supplements and make matters much worse.
Magnesium and calcium are antagonists and should never be taken together. If it is absolutely essential to take calcium take it two hours before bedtime leave two hours and take magnesium immediately before bedtime; but preferrably do not take calcium at all.
If you take a single mineral supplement you should also take a multimineral supplement alongside it. Try to get one without calcium. Also watch your diet and dont take foods with added calcium. You have plenty of it, its just in the wrong place. Remember calcium sets concrete in buildings and does the same to your arteries too; it also forms kidney and gall bladder stones.
Sally

Hello again,
what is ndt? I begin to take vitamin d it made me feel some what better but I need to know how much would be better for me. My dr. knows but he didn’t tell me how much to take. Thanks a lot for your advice. I do not take calcium or iron anymore unless totally needed because it did make me feel terrible. I have a dr. appointment so I will let you know how it comes out, I’m not sure when it is but it’s in may. Give me more advice on weight loss and to get my sex drive back up also hair loss. When my numbers get back in to place will all these issues be resolved. I am just trying to see what to look forward to in the near future. I also take atenolol for heart beating fast, meloxicam for arthritis, furosemide for swelling, but when I sit a long time I’m stiff and if I don’t take my medicine for swelling my legs begin to swell. I will like to know is this the best medicine for me.

Call your doctor to request the dosage of vitamin D recommended for you. I always get my D3 levels tested and my doctor recommends the dose for me since it depends on the severity of your vitamin D deficiency.

To deal with weight loss, hair loss and sex drive, the first step is making sure your thyroid has been fully tested as the first step and in my previous comment gave a list of the tests. Feel free to contact me with your lab results. Get a copy of your results and also include the normal reference ranges when you contact me with your scores. Best of luck.

You write that you have hypothyroidism (Graves). Graves normally comes with hyperthyroidism symptoms. Although I do have many readers with thyroid antibodies for both Hashimoto’s and Graves giving them a combination of hypo and hyper symptoms. I also have many Graves patients that turned hypothyroid after RAI treatment for their Graves. Are you suffering from hypothyroidism symptoms alone?

The first step is to be sure you’ve had all the necessary testing. Here is an article attached with a list of testing.

While many hypothyroidism sufferers do well on Levothyroxine drugs, many of us do not. Our bodies have to convert the T4 in Levothyroxine to the T3 hormone our bodies really need. The problem is for many of us we just don’t convert the T4 to T3 so we suffer low Free T3 levels and that’s why we still suffer symptoms despite treatment. If this is an issue for you then discuss with your doctor the option of adding T3 treatment. Here are the various options in this post to discuss with your doctor.

Hi again,
I have hypo and graves. so what’s next for me because I’m on meds. I also been prescribed meloxicam, furosemide, atenolol, and I have started on vitamin D but dr. didn’t tell me how much to take at this time. I just need to know is these meds good for me or not. Please give a understanding about the graves because this was what I was told after the RAI treatment. I just need to understand the terms or differences. I was hyper and with the RAI treatment I became hypo so after that I was told you have graves disease. I’m hypo with graves disease. I need to know what does that mean. The dr. also said I’m in menopause stage, I hope these meds to help me?

Hi Beverly, many people with Graves then develop hypothyroid symptoms after their RAI treatment. I am sorry to hear all that’s happened to you. I am not familiar with meloxicam, furoxemide and atenolol so I am not sure about those particular drugs. I believe meloxicam is for inflammation (which is common in thyroid conditions), furoxemide I believe for blood pressure and fluid retention (both of which are common with hypothyroidism) and atenolol for high blood pressure and chest pain (again common with hypothyroidism). Are you also on thyroid medication for your hypothyroidism? I assume you are taking a Levothyroxine drug like Synthroid?

For your thyroid medication, the most important question is how do you feel? Do you still suffer hypothyroid symptoms despite your treatment? If so then you are not being optimally treated. If you haven’t already be sure to request testing for: Free T4, Free T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenal cortisol levels, iron including ferritin, B12, De (which you’ve had done), magnesium, zinc, selenium, sex hormones including testosterone. All of these factors are common issues for hypothyroidism sufferers and should be tested.

I am right there with you! It is hard, for me I have tried different methods with different results. finally this year I have managed to lose 56 lbs since march. I still have 44 to go but I’m confident that I am finally on the right track. I started a blog so I can share what is working for me with other hypothyroid patients. What works for “normal” people is not what works for me. Or rather it is not enough. Certainly the timeline is very different as well. http://naughtythyroid.blogspot.com/2013/11/losing-weight-with-hypothyrodism.html

I have sufferd most of the symptoms listed.Always tired, never satisfied with sleep, achy body when i wake, excruciating and i mean excruciating menstral periods, sudden weight gain, PCOS, and finally ceasation of mymenses. Had to take medication to get pregnant with my two adorable kids. I was diagnosed b4 i had my first baby and its been 4 to 5 yrs now and the symptoms are not gone. I do go for blood test every 4 months and my medication is always being adjustedfrom 25mg to 125mg of levothyroixine.Recently i have started having serious itch on the soles of my feet. It wakes me up at night and i now feel like am literally cooking my soles cos i had to scratchwith metal n finally immerse them in boiling water just for relieve. Is there any link between hypothyroidism and itchy soles of feet? As the weight gain, my friends are amazed at how within 6 yrs i have changed cos i was very thin and atheletic looking. Some even thought i took medication to gain weight. Am so lost with my emotion that those around me feels like am blamimg the thyroid for everything. Any help will be appreciated. No libido, dry hair n skin. I can go on n on with the symptoms. I only pray something works out for me. Will talk to my doctor about the Nature- thyroid too. Thanks for the good work done will love to read more concerning this from u.

WOW so much of what you wrote sounds just like me prior to treatment – always tired, painful menstrual periods, sudden weight gain, dry hair, dry skin, itchy skin. Yes itchy irritated dry skin are part of the condition. I had terribly itchy feet while pregnant with my first son. Many winters I suffered from itchy dry legs, itchy dry scalp. I’ve also suffered my whole like with itchy blistered eczema on my fingers terribly itchy in the winter time so much that I scratch to the point of bleeding. So yes yes yes your symptoms are all related. I wonder if your levothyroxine only treatment may be the issue. You should get testing including Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies, and then explore different thyroid treatment options to see what works for you. Once I was properly treated, many of my symptoms disappeared. Now not all of them completely disappeared but they all at least reduced if not eliminated. I’m happy you found me at Hypothyroid Mom. I have a feeling that 2013 will be a better thyroid health year for you now that you are taking charge.

Hi Kaye, Mark Starr wrote a great book called “Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic” in which he writes that elevated liver enzymes are a potential symptom of hypothyroidism although he does not specifically mention which liver enzymes. Dr. Starr writes in his book,” The liver frequently functions poorly in hypothyroid patients…More than occasionally results of blood tests in hypothyroid patients show mild elevation of the liver’s enzymes. These enzyme levels return to normal after thyroid treatment unless the patient suffers from a separate liver disease such as hepatitis.” Elevated liver enzymes in hypothyroidism is also included in this attached New York Times article. Given that every cell of the body including the liver requires thyroid hormone for proper functioning, any dysfunction in the liver or other organ of the body is suspect and thyroid testing should be done. If you have high bilirubin levels or other liver issues, please have your thyroid properly tested including TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Welcome to Hypothyroid Mom Kaye. http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hypothyroidism-primary/overview.html

As Dana rightly says raised liver enzymes can occur because of low thyroid hormone circulating or tank up by the body’s cells, tissue and organs. Rising cholesterol is a common one and often wrongly treated. Rising cholesterol is not a disease or disorder it is a symptom of a disease or disorder and most commonly a symptom of hypothyroidism. Infact rising cholesterol may be evident before the TSH rises adequately enough for the individual to receive treatment of hypothyroidism.
Statins are contraindicated in the case of hypothyroidism and yet most rising cholesterol cases will be due to hypothyroidism. Further, simply giving thyroid hormone will resolve the rising cholesterol back to normal levels. YET rarely do people get tested for hypothyroidism, in fact the subject is not usually raised when the Dr has his hand on the prescription pad and Statins on their mind.

I’ve been dealing with symptoms for what I now realize is my entire life. Over time they’ve become worse. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told it’s “in your head.” You begin to accept that you’re just going to feel this way forever, even when your health is declining. I’ve just begun seeing a new Endo…hopefully this one wont think I’m a nutjob and/or a hypochondriac. Thank you for your blog…I finally feel like I’m not alone.

Leah, I’m so happy you found me at Hypothyroid Mom. No it was never in your head, you are not a hypochondriac. Low thyroid impacts our entire body leaving us with so many strange yet very real symptoms. On the outside we may look healthy but inside we are not. Hypothyroidism is an invisible illness that people who don’t have it can’t possibly understand. You are no alone Leah! If you are on Facebook, feel free to join my Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page where you’ll meet thousands of hypothyroid women just like us!

I am in shock after viewing these symptoms, and it also had me very emotionally. Dana, as I left a comment in your other thread, I clicked on your link. I have interstitial cystitis, and it has made me depressed and feel like an evil spirit is constantly over me. When I went down the list, and seen that printed, my heart dropped. There are millions of women with this disease and we have all looked for answers and doctors have no idea what causes it. This makes so much sense. Although there are other possibilities, the thyroid HAS to be to blame! I will keep in touch after my endocrinology appointment!

Hi Sarah, I wrote this post to find hypothyroidism sufferers and let them know that low thyroid has the power to affect every part of our bodies and comes with so many symptoms that doctors may miss as being linked to hypothyroidism. The good news is that there is hope to improve your symptoms if they are the result of hypothyroidism by ensuring you have proper thyroid testing including TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies and proper treatment. Best of luck Sarah.

I am just in the process of getting a diagnosis as to whether i have an underactive thyroid and my search led me here when I googled Gilbert’s syndrome – which is elevated billirubing level. do you know of any reserch linking these two things?? Thanks

Hi Marie,
I’m happy you found me at Hypothyroid Mom. I hope that you don’t receive a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, however if you do feel free to contact me with any questions. It is interesting that you reach me in your search on Gilbert’s syndrome. Another reader asked me about bilirubin levels in the comments above. Here is what I wrote to her that applies to your question too:

“Mark Starr wrote a great book called “Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic” in which he writes that elevated liver enzymes are a potential symptom of hypothyroidism although he does not specifically mention which liver enzymes. Dr. Starr writes in his book,” The liver frequently functions poorly in hypothyroid patients…More than occasionally results of blood tests in hypothyroid patients show mild elevation of the liver’s enzymes. These enzyme levels return to normal after thyroid treatment unless the patient suffers from a separate liver disease such as hepatitis.” Elevated liver enzymes in hypothyroidism is also included in this attached New York Times article. Given that every cell of the body including the liver requires thyroid hormone for proper functioning, any dysfunction in the liver or other organ of the body is suspect and thyroid testing should be done. If you have high bilirubin levels or other liver issues, please have your thyroid properly tested including TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hypothyroidism-primary/overview.html

Thanks Dana I have just printed off some info from the Times article to take with me. They want me to wait 3 months for my next blood test to confirm / or not hypothyroid however I am going to question this decision as I have maintained my weight for years and since Sept I have put on over a stone and feel ghastly – this I have put down to renovating a house and life in general. Thanks again it is much appreciated.

Maria I’m searching for answers I have had hashimotos for 33 yrs, had a full hysteracamy at 32yrs, diabettic at 35yrs triple bypass at 46,now on insulin since I had by pass. I have had lots of stress in my life losing my parents and older brothers at a young age I am 53yrs and still smoke addictived, on many medications and now my scalp is driving me crazy it’s on fire but not red and I am back to having full on hot flushes so yes they are all connected hoping some one else has similar to help me x

WOW Marrianne your symptoms show so strongly how the thyroid has the power to affect every part of our body. I am so sorry for all that you have been through. Is there any way for you to change doctors to get a second opinion on your condition. With all your symptoms so severe, it worries me that you are not being properly treated.

It is grim isn’t it – I am just back from GP’s with a trial 50 mg of levothyroxine he said I’m borderline but as I cried and behaved like a crazy woman I think he realised I am symptomatic so treated me rather than the test results –

I’m in Uk so I think our parameters are TSH 0.4 – 0.45mU/L – not that I actually understand any of these results ??? Just glad I wasn’t going mad – I had been talking myeslf into some sort of mental illness (my grandma had problems in this area)

Marianne I hope you get some answers – maybe your scalp is a reaction to a medication or perhaps your thyroid medication needs looking at again if you are having further symptoms of the Hashimotos PHewww don’t you just wonder what life will throw at you next

Marie, your TSH at 5 is the reason for your symptoms. The debate over the TSH range has been raging for over a decade with thyroid advocates pushing for a narrower range. At a TSH of 5 many of us feel debilitating symptoms. Also, please speak with your doctor about testing your Free T3 levels. I know many doctors everywhere around the world refuse to test Free T3 but it is an important piece of the puzzle along with thyroid antibodies.

For the love of God someone help me. I am on .200mg of synthroid and had a thyroidectomy in 2010 for papillary carcinoma. I now how recurrent uti’s, ongoing burning pelvic pain and frequent yeast infections. I am bloated and constipated all the time and exhausted.

I have recurrent UTIs for over 10 years before getting my hypothyroidism diagnosis and that was awful. Low thyroid increases our vulnerability to infection including candida. Synthroid contains T4 hormone only and while this works for some people it doesn’t for many. My life changed when I found a doctor open to a combination of T4 and T3 thyroid meds. Here’s more about these treatment options. I’ll also attach a list of resources to help you locate an open-minded doctor. Also I’ll attach an article that went up recently on pain by a woman who specializes in pelvic pain:

Thank you so much for writing this list. I’ve been suffering with thyroid problems for years and my thyroid recently packed up completely. I’m severely under-active right now and have only been on thyroxine for two weeks.

I have a LOT(!) of the symptoms listed here but the one I’m struggling with the most is terrible bladder pain. For MONTHS I’ve had a constant burning pain/urgency thing going on and it’s honestly ruining my life. My doctors have been telling me it’s probably not connected to my thyroid but I’ve always had suspicions that it was. What you’ve written here has given me a little hope that it will get better.

One more thing, my hair is falling out at an alarming rate (not unusual for hypothyroidism, I know.) and I’ve read that a very common side effect of levothyroxine is hair loss. Does anyone know if that is a temporary side effect? I’m only 18 years old and I’d hate to think that this is the end of my lovely, thick hair.

Hi Lizzie, I’m so happy you found me at Hypothyroid Mom. Yes your symptoms sound so familiar to my own!! Since every cell of our body requires proper thyroid hormone levels for functioning, low thyroid has the power to affect every part of our body including causing bladder pain and hair loss. We are each different and the symptoms we each have may be a different combination of these symptoms but you’ll find that many of these symptoms are very common for many hypothyroid sufferers. I unfortunately know too well how low thyroid levels can affect your bladder and cause massive hair loss. For me, chronic bladder infections plagued me for over 15 years and hair loss ramped up after my children were born. So while your bladder pain may be due to something else it is possible that it could be related to your thyroid. Please take a look at my post attached here to be sure you’ve had proper testing. For me, proper thyroid testing and then treatment slowed down my hair loss and now my hair is very healthy, and my bladder issues have lessened. At the same time, I would never take pain in any part of my body lightly. While your bladder pain may be associated with your thyroid, please don’t wait to contact your doctor with this problem and ask to be seen by a specialist to ensure there is no other cause. Best of luck to you and keep in touch with me.

Hi Dana, thank you so much for answering! I think my doctors have been pretty thorough with my tests, but I will do more research on that. I’m a type 1 diabetic as well, so that often works in my favour when it comes to getting medical tests. (every cloud has a silver lining!)

I have also suffered a lot of bladder infections since I was about seven years old. A UTI was actually how my last lot of troubles first started. I was on 5 different lots of antibiotics before anyone thought to check my thyroid levels.
I’ve had a load of tests on my bladder/kidneys in the past couple of months too, (ultrasounds/x-rays, etc) just to be safe. So far everything has come back normal.

This is my first time being hypothyroid. For sooo long I was over-active, and I have to say, both are just as horrible. I will be so happy when I begin to feel better.

Lizzie, so many of your symptoms are common in hypothyroidism. Please keep researching and working with your doctor to look at your condition more closely. You haven’t mentioned the type of thyroid medication you are on. Levothyroxine drugs like Synthroid are the typical drug prescribed by mainstream doctors. These drugs provide one thyroid hormone known as T4. While many people feel great on these drugs, many of us including me fail to convert the T4 to the active T3 our bodies need and we find ourselves with low Free T3 levels when they are tested (which not all mainstream doctors test). Addition of T3 medication can be helpful if our T3 levels are found to be low. This is what made the most difference for me. Please work with your doctor to explore all the options. Ensure you have your adrenals tested with a saliva test because many of us suffer from adrenal dysfunction which is needed to be healthy to have a healthy thyroid. Also, you’ve mentioned above that you are a type 1 diabetic which is an auto-immune disease. When you have one auto-immune disease you are more prone to develop other autoimmune diseases. The number one cause of hypothyroidism in the US is Hashimoto’s, an auto-immune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid and can be tested by testing for thyroid antibodies. Given your type 1 diabetes and your thyroid condition, please be sure your thyroid antibodies have been tested. Best of luck to you.

I had my antibodies tested a few years ago, I have a HUGE amount of antibodies. (I don’t remember the level but I was shocked at the time!) Though nothing more was ever really said about it by my doctors.

As for the type of medication I’m on, my pills are literally just levothyroxine. That’s all it says on the packet. (I’m in the UK, so maybe it’s different?) I’ve only been on a higher dose for a few weeks now, so far I haven’t felt any differences, but I suppose it’s too soon to tell.

I have been pouring over your site for the last hour. In July of 2012, I had surgery to remove a pituitary tumor. Last Friday, I emailed my endocrinologist because I’m still having irregular cycles and my electronic fertility monitor is indicating that perhaps my progesterone doesn’t stay elevated after ovulation. I also looked at some past lab results on Friday. Prior to my pituitary surgery, my T4 was 11, T4free was 1.51 and my TSH was 2.12. Thyroid antibodies weren’t measured at that time. In November, post-surgery labs showed my TSH was .97, T4 was 8, and T4free was .99. But this time they did test for antibodies – thyroid peroxidase was 208 and thyroglobulin was 3. From what I can tell, the later is normal but the thyroid peroxidase is high.

So now, as I await a response from my endocrinologist, I’m trying to figure out what I need to advocate for. My mother is hypothyroid, so I have a family history. When the antibodies were measured in November, the endocrinologist said to just test again in a year. But now, as I’ve done research this past weekend, I’m starting to think that’s not the best decision. I have a three year old son, and really want to have another baby. Seeing as I continue to have issues with the regularity of my cycle, do you think I need to try and address the antibody issue? If I become pregnant and keep a close eye on the TSH, will the antibodies themselves present a problem during pregnancy?

Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting all this information out here!

I’m so happy you found me at Hypothyroid Mom. I wrote my blog in the hopes of finding women like you. You haven’t written whether or not you are on thyroid hormone replacement medication. My assumption is that your doctor has not prescribed medication because your TSH is normal, correct? I notice that your Free T3 levels have not been tested. You have high thyroid peroxidase levels which means that you have an auto-immune form of hypothyroidism called Hashimoto’s Disease, which is the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the US and one of the leading causes in the world. In mainstream medicine, doctors often won’t test thyroid antibodies at all so it is great that your doctor tested them on you. The issue is that mainstream medicine often uses the wait and see approach with thyroid antibodies. Initially many Hashimoto’s sufferers show up with normal thyroid hormone levels on their lab tests but their antibodies are high, over time the immune system continues to attack your thyroid and eventually your blood tests finally show up abnormal but the destruction is already far gone by this time and potentially leaves you also vulnerable to other auto-immune conditions. Was your mother tested for thyroid antibodies? Hypothyroidism in general is often hereditary as is hashimoto’s.

There is research suggesting that treating a person with thyroid antibodies even when their thyroid lab tests such as TSH come back normal (called euthyroid) with thyroid hormone medication will actually help to slow down the attack. Here is an important article by leading thyroid advocate Mary Shomon on this topic.

It is essential that you be in the best thyroid health possible prior to conceiving. The risk with Hashimoto’s is that when you become pregnant, the fetus will take thyroid hormone from the mother for growth and development and this stresses our bodies and can cause a worsening of our Hashimoto’s with sudden increases in TSH and danger to the baby. It is essential to have your TSH, Free T4, Free T3 (which I notice weren’t tested on you) and thyroid antibodies regularly tested throughout pregnancy. See this post.

My suggestion is that you get a second opinion on your condition prior to trying to conceive with someone who understands Hashimoto’s. It may mean seeing one or two additional doctors to see the varying opinions on how you should be treated. Here is a post that gives you resources to help you find a great thyroid doctor.

Lizzie, Given your Hashimoto’s I recommend you read Dr. Datis Kharrazian’s book “Why do I still have thyroid symptoms? When my lab tests are normal” which is excellent in telling you what to look out for in Hashimoto’s, types of tests to discuss with your doctor, and suggested supplements, etc.

Dana I’m so happy to have found your site. Thank you for dedicating so much time and effort to a such a great resource of information and support. It’s so great to find a site that finally makes me feel like I’m not going crazy and perhaps have a chance to feel like a normal human being again. I actually don’t know if I have hypothyroidism yet. I went to my OB/GYN for my regular exam and told her about the symptoms I’d been experiencing and she referred me to get my TSH checked, which I will be doing in a couple weeks. I am a 35 year old mother of 3. I’ve always been healthy, happy, active and taken good care of myself. I’ve had anxiety issues my whole life, but it’s always been mild and managable. In the last year or so however I’ve had a host of other symptoms that have made me feel like I’m going crazy wondering what the heck is wrong with me! It started with the chronic yeast infections, then hair loss, loss of sex drive and dry patches of flaky skin on my face, dry itchy scap, short white hairs showing up on my head and carpel tunnel. More recently I’ve been experiencing loss of motivation, feeling depressed and numb, not having self worth, which has been awful because I’ve always been happy and have never felt this way. Then I started having pins and needles tingling in my toes & feet that sometimes spreads up to my legs (the same thing happens in my arms), a feeling of weakness & shakiness in my hands & arms after I lift something heavy or workout, a soreness/discomfort in my upper arm & shoulder that worsens when I lift weights, and that bothers me if I sleep on that side. All of these symptoms have been making me nuts and feeling like I must have 2 or 3 life threatening diseases! (Oh yeah I think you can add hypochondriac to that list!) So again, I don’t know if hypothyroidism is the issue. But this was the first site I came upon where I read all the symptoms and my jaw dropped from feeling like I was reading about myself. I will keep you posted. And again, thanks for helping and supporting others!

Marina, So great to hear from you. Happy you found me at Hypothyroid Mom. You have so many common hypothyroid symptoms. I am happy you will receive TSH testing. However please know that TSH alone does not provide a full picture of the thyroid condition. There are many people who show up with normal TSH levels but they suffer hypothyroidism symptoms. Please be sure to get comprehensive testing that should include TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. Here is a post that describes the necessary testing. And NO you are not crazy and NO you are not a hypochondriac which is what many of us hear from our doctors. You have real symptoms that can be debilitating. I know it all too well.

I was just wondering if you were tested for hypothyroidism, and what the results were? I am actually having the SAME exact symptoms that you described, and it is a huge relief to see that I am not alone (and not going crazy!). I hope you were able to get diagnosed properly. I am in the process of doing the same!

Hello, I was dx with hypothyroidism in November 2012. My doctor put my on 1/2 gram Armour Thyroid. I had hormone testing done recently and well it showed little to no cortisol, testosterone, progesterone, and very little thyroid functioning still. Lots of estrogen though. I was able to see an endocrine doc who is very good. He gave me choices and I chose synthroid and he put me on 125 mcg daily. In 4 weeks I will cytomel. I have not been able to lose weight in over a year and have put on about 15 lbs. I have very little patience for losing this weight and getting my thyroid and hormones in a more functional state. I have been sick for over a week with a nasty cold and have hardly eaten anything and you would think one would lose a pound or two! Nope.

I can’t say that I have noticed any big or small changes in two weeks that I am on the synthroid. I guess I am just feeling rather disappointed with this whole mess. I have been an active person working out 3-4 times a week and try to eat sensible. Can anyone tell me their experience with this and the time frame for balancing hormones and thyroid. I also have testosterone cream and progesterone/estoril cream.

Hi Cal, I am sorry for all you are going through. Your story is so similar to the experiences of hypothyroid sufferers everywhere. You are not alone. There are so many possible issues that are keeping you from losing weight and being in ideal thyroid health. First, there is unfortunately no one thyroid medication that works for us all and on Monday I will post here at Hypothyroid Mom an article about all the different options and factors to consider for why they may not be working. Not only is the type of thyroid drug individual to each of us but also the dosage. It may very well be that the dosage of these medications is the issue too. A red flag went up for me when I read your line “no cortisol, testosterone, progesterone”. There is a great deal of information available on how abnormal adrenal functioning and abnormal sex hormone levels are closely linked to the thyroid condition. There are many people who do not respond well to thyroid medication because these underlying issues need to be addressed. You do not mention treatment for your cortisol issues. First, I recommend you speak with your doctor about addressing that issue and if that doctor is not helpful in balancing your adrenal and sex hormone issues then it’s time to find a second opinion. Here is a post attached by Janie Bowthorpe from the site “Stop The Thyroid Madness” where she writes about the importance of adrenal function in thyroid health. Janie also has online community groups where members address the issues of adrenal fatigue in addition to all the other critical issues to thyroid health. Also, there is a great book called “Thyroid Power” by Richard and Karilee Shames that includes two chapters on the importance of adrenal and sex hormone balance for thyroid wellness. Lastly, there is a very important article by Mary Shomon with thyroid expert Dr. Kent Holtorf on the importance of testing reverse T3 and leptin for weight loss. Best of luck to you!

Dana, you rock! This is such great info. Unfortunately doesn’t surprise me in the least since I feel I have experienced at least half of all these symptoms and mistreatments. I also started researching like mad after the miscarriage of one baby. Also had a second even tho I was on better treatment. It does make you fight the inadequate system like hell, doesn’t it? I’m sorry for your loss, and thanks for putting all this info out there. Can’t wait to read the rest of your blog!

Sherry, your experience with your doctor is why millions of us are undiagnosed or insufficiently treated in the world. My guess is that your doctor is relying on only one test called the TSH, which unfortunately doesn’t provide the full picture of your thyroid condition. You may have a “normal” TSH but you still have thyroid symptoms because you are not at the optimal point in the range. There has been a debate going on for a decade on the normal TSH range with most doctors using a range around 0.5 to 5.0, while thyroid advocates push for a narrowing of that range. In addition, you need to have a full thyroid blood panel including Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. Mainstream medicine relies on Levothyroxine drugs to treat us like your Levoxyl but many of us don’t feel good on these drugs. You need a doctor willing to explore all these options. If your current doctor isn’t listening it’s time to find a new doctor Sherry! Search high and low for a great thyroid doctor. Here are some articles to help explain all this:

I have diagnosed with hypothyroidism I just had my thyroid labs run again and they come back that they are right where they should be. However I am having all these symptoms and people think I am a hypochondriac because my tyroid level is OK my a1c is OK and my hemoglobin is OK. They have me on medicine for nerve pain, medicine for headaches, blood pressure medicine, thyroid medicine, and some other stuff. even though those tests came back ok I am having a really bad dizzy spells and sometimes they last all day. I am tired all the time, I have been having tingling and numbness in my hands and now it is in my legs and my feet. I find myself sitting in hot bathwater just you try to keep my feet warm. Today I’ve had three pairs of thermal socks on and my feet are so cold they almost feel like they could be hypothermic. It is so painful and it runs up my legs. I have had a lot of swelling and fluid retention so they put me on another water pill to go with the one I’m already on.they have treated me for depression. I have restless legs so bad that I can’t stand it so they put me on something for that. I am so forgetful anymore. But yet they say my tests are normal and that I need to go off the diet pop because they think it could be aspartame poisoning.4 or 5 days now its been since I’ve had a diet soda and my symptoms just seem to get worse. My feet are so cold and hurts so bad up into my legs that I could scream. I just wish I knew what to do because everybody thinks that a lot of it is in my head. So I’ve kind of just quit talking about it to anybody. Any advice that you could give me I would really appreciate it. Thank you and God bless you

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism when I was 4. Went on to have Graves Disease at age 20 and was treated with radioactive iodine at age 21. I have since been hypothyroid, and when on synthroid or any form of it, they could not regulate my levels. My endocrinologist found I was irradically converting T3 and T4 so there was no way to maintain consistent levels. He put me on Cytomel which is strictly a T3 medication and it worked. I was feeling healthy, happy, losing weight and only a few times in 7 years (like when i was pregnant) did i have to have a very slight adjustment of my meds. I moved to a different state and instead of providing a continuation of care with the med that was working, the doctors felt it necessary to start treating me like a guinea pig and put me back on synthroid type drugs, attempting to take me completely off the cytomel. THey wont listent to me nor will they continue with what WAS working for me and now I am so severly hypothyroid it is frustrating. I dont sleep, I have gained 12 lbs if not more..exahusted, very moody, freezing, dizziness hair is thinning and falling out, etc etc. I have changed primary care docs and will be going in to see them soon. My hope is that he will send me to a GOOD endocrinologist who will listen to me as a knowledgable, experienced patient and will get me back to feeling healthy again. I am afraid the way I am now is going to kill me like the Graves almost did because no one would listen to me.

Oh Amy I’m sorry this has happened to you. I hear from many readers that when they move and change doctors, they face similar issues. When will doctors listen to their patients. You found what was working for you. The problem is the gold standard for treatment for hypothyroidism by mainstream doctors is Levothyroxine drugs like Synthroid. Many refuse to treat with T3 drugs like Cytomel. It’s insane! It’s time to find a new doctor. You must search and search until you find someone who listens to you. Here is an article with resources to help you find a great doctor in your area. It’s worth it to even drive a distance to find a good doctor.

I just remembered another strange symptom I started having a few months ago (sometimes it’s worse than others) and I was curious if anyone has experienced this or knows if it’s a symptom of having a hypothyroid. It’s kind of hard to explain so bear with me. Basically I get a ‘nails on a chalkboard’ type feeling with certain sensory things, like scrubbing a cutting board with a sponge when I’m washing it, wiping the countertops, or eating something really cold. Just watching someone walk through the snow (hearing the sound of it) can give me chills. This is a weird one, and another completely random symptom I didn’t think could have anything to do with my thyroid. Could it? Thanks!

Hi Marina, I’m not sure the exact sensation you mean and whether it’s a symptom of hypothyroidism or not. Although it never ceases to amaze me how a lack of thyroid hormone can adversely affect us so anything is possible. I’ll remember your description of it in case I ever hear from readers of a similar sensation. Welcome to Hypothyroid Mom!

Thanks Dana! The sensation is similar to the feeling you get when you hear nails on a chalkboard, or bite into something really cold and your teeth are sensitive to it…that kind of feeling. It’s sort of like getting these annoying chills through your whole body, I guess is how I can best describe it. I’m not sure if it’s related, I just realized that it started around the same time as some of my other weird symptoms, so thinking it might be related. I guess I’ll see!

Marina, anything is possible with hypothyroidism. I know for myself I feel a great deal more sensitive when my thyroid levels are not optimal, sensitivity to everything from sound to bright lights to noise. When my thyroid levels are off just about everything bothers me and I am hypersensitive to everything, so yes I can imagine your sensations possible.

I have been diagnosed with underactive thyroid & been told I have fibromyalgia too. I have also suffered with ezcema and asthma for many years and haven’t ever been told that they could all link up. I also still suffer with symptoms although my levels are ‘normal’

I have been diagnosed with underactive thyroid & been told I have fibromyalgia too. I have also suffered with ezcema and asthma for many years and haven’t ever been told that they could all link up. I also still suffer with symptoms although my levels are ‘normal’

I have been diagnosed with underactive thyroid & been told I have fibromyalgia too. I have also suffered with ezcema and asthma for many years and haven’t ever been told that they could all link up. I also still suffer with symptoms although my levels are ‘normal’

I have been diagnosed with underactive thyroid & been told I have fibromyalgia too. I have also suffered with ezcema and asthma for many years and haven’t ever been told that they could all link up. I also still suffer with symptoms although my levels are ‘normal’

Hi Charlotte,
It is very sad to hear when someone with an underactive thyroid suffers from common hypothyroid symptoms yet their doctors assume they are fine all because their labs are “normal”. This is a common scenario and the reason why so many of us are undiagnosed or under-treated. Your symptoms are all very common with hypothyroidism. Of course there is always the possibility that they are not connect to your thyroid, but there is a good chance they are linked. The first step is to get a copy of your lab results to see what tests you’ve had done and what your scores are relative the the normal reference ranges that normally appear to the right of your scores on the lab result sheet. Be sure you’ve had not just TSH tested but also Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. If not speak with your doctor about these tests and discuss a closer look at whether the medication type and brand are right for you. See my post attached below. It is sadly very common for thyroid sufferers to not receive full testing, for their symptoms not to be connected to their thyroid, and for them not receive ideal treatment to alleviate their symptoms. Best of luck to you Charlotte!

I think I have the majority of the symptoms listed above. I have been diagnosed with IBS since
2003, positive ANA from time to time, fibromyalgia since 2011 and last year I bottomed out when my bp (which is usually low) sky rocketed from a strange and overwhelming headache. I couldn’t function at work anymore and when people talked to me, I felt like I wasn’t even there. I slept for weeks and couldn’t function at all. I went to an endocrinologist who found my T3 was bottomed out, but TSH and T4 were fine. Did an ultrasound on thyroid and saw some small cysts and nodules. Diagnosed with viral thyroiditis and put me on synthroid which did nothing. Went to another endo who put me on armour (since it has T3 in it) for a while, then took me off, ran blood tests and said I didn’t need it. I was put on FMLA for four months, diagnosed by blood tests with CFS and put on glutathione/ATP injections. My glutathione went up a little after first round, but ATP dropped. Second round, glutathione went down and ATP went down. Having more blood work done at the end of this month. No one found anything with adrenal glands. Going to a neurologist now because my reflexes aren’t working properly. Lots of blood work completed, and an EMG and 3 MRI’s coming up. I get posts and “help” from friends, family, and strangers trying to be helpful, but no one understands. The thyroid seems to hit a lot of my symptoms and my sister has Hashimotos and lupus, my cousin passed of an autoimmune disease last summer, and some of my aunts have thyroid problems, but thyroid always checks out ok for me. I had to resign from a job I loved and I just wish I knew what was going on. I’m running on “E” and getting a wheelchair now since my body doesn’t create energy anymore and I’ve been stuck in my house for ten months now. What are your thoughts?

Lauralou, I am so upset by all that’s happening to you. It is very sad to hear all that you are going through. One of the points that comes up for me when I read your story is that you sister suffers from Hashimoto’s and lupus and your cousin passed of an autoimmune disease. Hashimoto’s is the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the US and a leading cause in the world. The immune system mistakenly starts attacking the thyroid gland making it less and less functional over time. It is an autoimmune condition that is thought to be hereditary in nature. Given your family history it is important for you to get your thyroid antibodies tested for Hashimoto’s, specifically TPO-Ab and TgAb. When left untreated, an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s can then trigger other autoimmune conditions such as Lupus. It is common to find people with Hashimoto’s with other autoimmune diseases as well and a family history of autoimmune conditions. Please get your thyroid antibodies tested and get in the hands of a good thyroid doctor. Best of luck to you.

Thank you. I think my neurologist ordered all kinds of thyroid tests, so hopefully if I am dealing with thyroid problems it will show up this time. Your kindness and the time you take to answer individual posts is very much appreciated.
Hope you are doing well,
Lauralou

I was diagnosed last year after passing out while driving and hit a pole I was getting night sweats ,no sleep,depression,hives constantly always craving chocolate,weight gain,trouble breathing,chills,trouble swallowing,no energy,numbness in limbs,dry skin,hair thinning,puffiness in face,sleep apnea,dizziness,vertigo constant yeast infections, tired,always napping,no appetite or always hungry I thought I was nuts ,mood swings now I’m on levothyroxine 75mg not quite there yet but I’m starting to feel better I’m supposed to get the gastric bypass done will this all go away if I have the surgery or will I have to be on meds my whole life?

Michelle, I’m sorry to hear what’s happened to you. WOW passing out while driving could have killed you. You have so many hypothyroidism symptoms. I assume you are doing gastric bypass for weight gain. I wonder if you were to get optimal thyroid treatment if your weight may improve and you may reconsider the surgery. I don’t know your specific situation but whenever surgery is considered it’s a good idea to get a second and third opinion before going under the knife. Please read the posts attached below. You don’t mention was thyroid lab tests have been done for you but my guess is that TSH was done but you must get a copy of your lab results and make sure that Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies were tested to be sure to have a full picture of your condition. Levothyroxine works for some but for many it isn’t optimal for us. I also attached a great article by Mary Shomon in her interview with Dr. Kent Holtorf on weight loss. Best of luck to you and keep in touch with how you are doing. Welcome to Hypothyroid Mom!

I suffered hypothyroidism for more than 30years without diagnosis; I was told my tests were ‘normal’. The ever growing list of symptoms continued but heightened after I suffered lead poisoning. Diagnosed with several disorders which I disagreed with, including M.E. After consulting Dr Sarah Myhill as a specialist for M.E. she diagnosed Hypothyroidism and prescribed NDT and adrenal support. I improved but not enough. I consulted Dr Durrant-Peatfield who gave me the confidence the increase NDT until symptoms resolve. I did. they have.
Can I add another symptom to your comprehensive list please? clumsiness, poor coordination and poor balance. I tripped over nothing and everything, I bumped into things and knocked things over; this has improved with treatment.
Sarah.

I’m sorry to hear what happened to you Sally. 30 years without diagnosis! Happy to hear you are feeling better. Yes you know I did read about clumsiness, poor coordination and poor balance. Great additions to my list!

Hi Krista, I haven’t heard specifically of sensitivity to foods high in salicyclic acid and thyroid issues, although at this point nothing would surprise me about the effects of an underactive thyroid on our bodies. I have read a great deal about food sensitivities underlying an autoimmune form of hypothyroidism called Hashimoto’s. Have you had your thyroid antibodies tested?

In 2011 I was tested…tsh was high and t4 was low end of “normal” but no antibodies showed up. According to what I’ve read the only way to know for sure is to get a needle biopsy but I obviously didn’t want to do that. I’ve had symptoms and a tsh over 1 for the past 10 years or so it would seem. I went back and got the routine doctors tests from over the years and found out the tsh was usually above 3. I also had weight problems but lost it through major diet change. Still tired and having some issues though. Haven’t had my blood tested in quite a while now but i assume it’s the same as before.

Hi Krista, I’m happy you had that testing done. It’s interesting that your thyroid antibodies turned up negative. While of course you may very well not have Hashimoto’s, but I read this interesting article on Dr. Datis Kharrazian’s site. He wrote this great book called “Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal”. This post on his site talks about how there are hashimoto’s sufferers who turn up with negative antibodies but they have the condition just the same. Very interesting. You should join my Facebook page for Hypothyroid Mom. It’s a great community gathering there where I post reader’s questions and everyone shares their suggestions and support. It’s a great supportive place. You’re always welcome as are all my Hypothyroid Mom readers.

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and Hashimotos last year. My 4 year old son has Congenital Hypotyhroiodism and was recently diagnosed with Autism. I am convinced m 10 year old daughter has Thyroid disease as well. I had Gestational Diabetes with both of my pregnancies. When I tookmy daughter to have her thyroid tested, we were sent to a Cardiologist because her triglycerides were high. We were lectured on how to eat and exercise by overweight, out of shape dieticians and never saw a Cardiologist. When we asked about her thyroid, the Dr said her levels were “just slightly off” and not to worry about it. I believe Thyroid disease caused my son’s Autism. I don’t understand why full blood panels aren’t done on all pregnant women, especially those with diabetes in pregnancy. I’ve never had a weight issue and eat extremely clean. Thyroid disease is all too often misdiagnosed and undertreated. This comprehensive list of symptoms has really opened my eyes. I hope it prevents at least one person from suffering and passing it on to their babies.

Oh Maggie, your comment speaks to me so deeply. I am very sorry to hear about your son’s congenital hypothyroidism and autism. I am very upset about your daughter’s high triglycerides which are often elevated in hypothyroidism sufferers so yes please please get a second, third, fourth even tenth medical opinion for you and your children. Here is a link to help you find a good thyroid doctor in your area. It is shameful that pregnant women are not tested for thyroid disorder. It is down right shameful! I write posts that inspire me Maggie. I have a strong feeling that your story would inspire a future story at Hypothyroid Mom (anonymous with their names not included if you prefer). I suspect a connection between hypothyroidism and autism and would love to include a quote from you on your son’s thyroid and autism conditions for a future post. Would you email me at dana@hypothyroidmom.com with your story. Welcome to Hypothyroid Mom!

First, let me tell you that there is a special place in Heaven for you and others who devote their time, money, and precious energy into educating others on this very understood, undertreated disease. I would love to put more of my time into Thyroid Disease Awareness, but unfortunately it has take a backseat to Autism presently. I am happy to write an email with my story, and you are welcome to quote me. I will send it sometime later in the week as I am also a Flight Attendant and have several days of travel ahead of me. I am also happy to report I’m already familiar with several of the links you sent me! I am satisfied with my Endocrinologist, but not so much with our Pediatric Endocrinologist. I didn’t indlude my symptoms as I assume anyone reading this list can relate to several of them. Have a wonderful weekend!

You are sweet Maggie. Thank you. I am passionate about saving our children from hypothyroidism. We’re all in this together and by building awareness we have the hope of making change for our children. I look forward to receiving your email with you family’s story. I know that when I include it in a future post we will save children’s lives. I am certain of it.

Thank you for posting due to many many symptom s I was put on meds for hashiemoto ..when they didn’t work 2010 I had gastric bypass …I be gained 29 lbs back an many of the symptoms are coming back but I haven’t been on meds for several years an of course blood tests are coming back normal. So Dr says I’m fine ….boo

Hi Christina, It is very common in Hashimoto’s to have normal TSH lab test scores because in the first years of the disease the lab tests are normal but the body’s immune system is attacking the thyroid gland and only when enough thyroid gland is destroyed the TSH turns up normal, but all that time the person suffers symptoms including fatigue and weight gain and so many others. There is research showing that even when TSH is normal that thyroid hormone treatment will help slow down the hashimoto’s attack. Please take a look at this post on hashimoto’s. Please find a new doctor.

Interesting, I was never diagnosed hypothyroid, but over the years several doctors for different reasons, have checked my thyroid levels and always decided they were normal. Then about 4 years ago I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I am most certainly hypothyroid now! But going through your list, I’ve had at least 60 of these symptoms for as long as I can remember. Still have most of those symptoms and now a few more. Considering the fact that my doctors keep me hyperthyroid to keep the cancer at bay I would think most of those symptoms would be gone. The worst of them are gone, but added hyper symptoms & side effects of the radiation.
Thank you for the list, I will be sharing!!

Hi Tara, I am very sorry to hear about your thyroid cancer. My heart is heavy every time a cancer survivor reaches out to me. If you continue to suffer symptoms on this list, then you may not be optimally treated. Given your experience, I recommend you get multiple medical opinions so that you are sure to be treated optimally. I know it is hard to find a great thyroid doctor but it is worth it to try! Best of luck to you and welcome to Hypothyroid Mom!

Having had thyroid cancer and treatment for it and further having been ill for a long time in advance of diagnosis of thyroid cancer, it might be worth considering other things too and not just the dose of thyroid supplement you are taking; especially if you still have hypo symptoms. It is common for some symptoms to be eased quickly and others will be relieved over time too. This site has a mine of useful information attached to it.
It might be worth considering; Firstly diet; avoid goitrogenic foods and use fresh foods reducing processed and junk stuff; environment avoid fluorides and bromides etc.; then it might be worth considering whether you have adequate stomach acid and digestive enzymes, are you taking other drugs which affect thyroid hormones? Consider whether your Iron levels are adequate; too high or too low will prevent thyroid hormone entering the cells. Adrenal health/support is particularly most essential to consider if you have had any cancer treatment. Then of course yeast infections must be treated adequately over a period of many months, years in some cases, depending on how bad they are; use diet and antifungals – I use Lufernuron which has no apparent side effects and certainly doesn’t affect liver or kidneys. Then you could also think about supporting your liver, if you have been given toxic drugs for thyroid cancer treatments.
Best of luck with everything.

I am really happy to have found you! This is great information. I have been battling Hashimoto’s for 20 years now (I am 39).
Is it necessary to continue to test for antibodies once you know you have Hashimoto’s?
Also, I have just recently gone gluten-free. Initially, this seemed to help with the hypothyroid weight gain I experience when my thyroid is “acting up,” but while I think being gluten-free is helping me to combat some other symptoms, the weight loss has really stagnated. Might you have any thoughts on this?
Thanks!

It is always helpful to know if your thyroid antibody levels are changing for better or worse so yes periodically they should still be checked. There are so many potential underlying issues with Hashimoto’s that can cause a person to suffer symptoms despite thyroid treatment. So many things to consider including whether you are on the right thyroid drug and dosage. Have you had your Free T4 and Free T3 tested. I ask because often times TSH is the only test given and that doesn’t give a full picture of the problem. Thyroid Advocate Mary Shomon wrote: “More innovative doctors are beginning to believe that a TSH of around 1 – 2 — in the low end of the normal range — is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms. Similarly, some practitioners feel that optimal hypothyroidism treatment includes Free T4 in the top half of the normal range, and Free T3 in the top 25th percentil of the normal range.” I personally feel terrible when my Free T3 is in the low half or middle of the normal range. As soon as my Free T3 reached the top 25th percentil my symptoms reduced and many eliminated and my weight loss started.

Also there are many potential underlying issues to Hashimoto’s that should be tested and I’ve attached 2 posts below on Hashimoto’s.

However the most important article that I’ve ever found on weight loss for thyroid sufferers was an interview by Mary Shomon with thyroid expert Dr. Kent Holtorf who discussed the role of leptin and reverse T3 in weight loss. It’s attached here below.

Hi Cindy, you ask a great question. It is definitely a great topic for a future post. Thanks for the suggestion. I am not sure of a great list for hyperthyroid symptoms but I will keep a look out for a list like that and share it on Hypothyroid Mom. Should you find a great list please let me know. My blog may be called Hypothyroid Mom, but I am writing for all thyroid sufferers.

There are a lot of men that have this disease as well but some of them are too stern to go to the doctor and actually have the correct tests done, I have at least 80 % or more of the symptoms that you have listed, I have had grave disease and hoshimoto thyroiditis, I was diagnosed in 2000 , I take senthroid and I was taking levelthyroxin but it wasn’t working, I had my gullbladder removed, I have had corpal tunnel surgery in both hands, I have a lot of memory loss at times, fatigue, chronic back pain, hardened stool, I had a double hernia operation, I have tingling on all of my limbs , I have plantar facilities, I have insomnia, night sweats, chills, coldness, inlarged heart, inlarged liver, I have had joundice, diziness , inlarged prostate gland, I have had graying hair since I was 24 and I’m now 36 and I can’t get motivated at all, I am stressed out, I feel tired all the time, I feel unwanted, lonely , helpless, hopeless, and I have really bad anxietie attacks, and I am very sensitive, and I worry about every little thing that happens, Imy most recent discovery is that after I urinate , I wash up and start to head out of the bathroom and go back to work and then I notice that I start going a little bit again and I can’t control is at all, I stopped going a lot of places because of this and I have 4 children that love going everywhere and it bothers me a lot that because of me I feel like I’m ruining there lives as well and my sex life has slowed a whole lot, and I have been married to my wife foe 17 years, ado u k ow of anything that I can change or do to help me overcome any of this?

Absolutely there are many men with thyroid conditions too. My brother has hypothyroidism so I know that very well and I watch my young sons for symptoms too. I worry that the hypothyroid men go undiagnosed because it’s thought to be a “woman’s” disease but that is far from the truth. There are men and children too. I am sorry all that you are going through. While Levothyroxine drugs work for some they fail for many of us. For many of us we need the addition of T3 to feel better so speak with your doctor about exploring the options even if it means changing doctors.

There are many potential underlying issues that should be checked. Often times TSH is the only test done. You also need Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, adrenals, ferritin, sex hormones, D3, B12, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and food sensitivities especially gluten.

dana
Thank you for the info on your website, it is very interesting to see all the different effects
that thyroid disease can have on our bodies. I was diagnosed with graves Disease in Jan. of 2010. They tried controlling it with meds but it started effecting my eye sight really badly. Developed double vision, and stared developing glaucoma. Made the decision to have my thyroid removed in Nov. 2010, because the meds were helping some with some of the symtoms, but not with the eyesight issues and was having lots of trouble with irregular heart beats. Been on snthyroid since having thyroid removed. It has helped with a lot of the symtoms I was having of the Graves, but still suffering with eye issues ,double vision constantly. Have recently developed trouble with my feet hurting all the time in the ball of both feet. Have seen an eye specialist about my eyes and they said they wanted me to wait 3 yrs, before they would consider doing any kind of surgery to correct the double vision. It will be 3 yrs. this coming Nov. I am scared to do any surgery on my eyes but can hardly deal with the double vision anymore. And I was wondering about my feet if that could be connected to my thyroid issues as well. I work part time and have to be on my feet at my job. Don’t want to have to quit my job, but my feet have become a real pain for me. I recently had a check up with my endocrinoligist and my levels were all normal, but I feel tired a lot. Didn’t mention anything about my feet cause I didn’t realize it could possibly be related. I know I am better off than I was 2 1/2 yrs. ago but still don’t feel back to where I was before all this began, and maybe never will. Would appreciate any suggestions you might have concerning my eyes and my feet as well. I’ve been to a foot specialist and they ran x-rays and found nothing. He just gave my some pads to wear,which have helped but I want to know why this has started up and is constant everyday. I am a very active person, and the thought of not being able to be on my feet is really depressing me. Thanks for your time and any thoughts you might have.

Hi Sheri, I am sorry for all that you’ve been through. Yes I’ve read a great deal about vision issues with both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. I’ve also found information on pain including pain in the feet such as plantar fasciitis related to hypothyroidism so while your foot pain may be due to some other issue it is also possible that you are not being optimally treated. While some people do great on Synthroid many of us do not. For many of us we don’t convert the T4 hormone in Synthroid to the active T3 our bodies need so our Free T3 levels are low. Have you had your Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies tested? If not, please ask your doctor for this testing and discuss how these symptoms despite treatment. Ask to explore drug dosage and brands to find what’s right for you. Here is a post that describes all the thyroid drug options and factors to discuss with your doctor. Happy to have you on Hypothyroid Mom!

Thanks Dana,
Just went last week and had levels checked out. She just told me everything was in the normal range. I called yesterday and requested a copy of the results so I can see exactly where the levels are at in the normal range. Thanks again for all your help!

Great Sheri. Happy you asked for a copy of your results. Look specifically for Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies (TPO-Ab, TgAb) and make sure they were all included and also look at the normal reference ranges for each score to the right and see where in the range you fall for each. What is “normal” for one person may not be “normal” for you. The first step is making sure that you’ve had all those tests done. Best of luck.

Dear Dana
I wondered by the extent of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. I just realized that I have much more symptoms of hypothyroidism than what I before thought. you and the web page are admirable.
sincerely thanks from the heart,
Maryam

Thank you Maryam. I appreciate your comment very much. Every cell in the body requires thyroid hormone for proper functioning so if you have low thyroid hormone levels then the cells don’t have what is needed for proper functioning. This is why symptoms include every part of the body, every organ. We all may have a unique set of symptoms from this list but the amount of damage created by hypothyroidism is unbelievable.

You mentioned swollen tongue. My Dr. refuses to believe that my swollen tongue has anything to do with my thyroid! My labs came back, and they are looking ok. But I am not feeling ok. Thank you for making me realize I am not crazy!

There is a reference for tongue swelling relating to hypothyroidism; look on Wikipedia under hypothyroidism, I think it’s reference number 23. Find the paper and take a copy to your Dr.
The body, when sluggish with hypothyroidism, produces something known as MUCIN. Mucin is a sticky gell like substance normally this is not present but in hypothyroidism it surrounds all our cells; this the main reason for putting on weight and that is why diets do not work for us.
Mucin can be seen on postmortem causing swelling of all our internal organs as well as under our skin. When I first started nursing we used a caliper measure which was used to pinch the back of our arm and measure the outcome. In hypothyroidism the thickness fo this area is increased; due to deposits of mucin. It is the cause of swollen bloated facial features too, the tongue being part of that. Often you will see the indentations of your teeth which give a shell like appearance to the eges of your tongue.
Mine has resolved itself with good thyroid treatment and yours can too.

My uncle was born with hypothyroidism (cretinism), which remained untreated for a long time; he is now taking thyroxine in too small a dose; but I cant get Drs to sort it out; anyhow one of his many symptoms is a huge very thick swollen tongue which mostly he sticks out because it is more comfortable for him. Without doubt IT IS a symptom of hypothyroidism.

Shannon, absolutely swollen tongue may be a symptom of hypothyroidism. Swollen tongue is included in multiple sources when I compiled this list. This is not all in your head and you should seek a second medical opinion to be sure your thyroid is being optimally treated! Often times lab tests are normal yet we still have hypothyroidism. It’s a very big issue and the reason why many are not diagnosed. The number one issue is that often times TSH is the only test that is taken but that one test does not provide a complete picture of the thyroid condition. You need additional testing including Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. Here is an article to help you find a doctor for a second opinion. Best of luck to you.

Hi Christina, given that you were on medication and were diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, you should definitely look more closely at your current hypothyroidism symptoms. The main issue is that often times TSH is the only test taken but that one test doesn’t give a full picture of the condition. Testing should include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. Ask your doctor for these tests if not done already. Also it would be a good idea to get a second medical opinion especially since you’ve already been diagnosed with hashimoto’s. Best of luck.

Dana, thanks for everything….. was wondering how many people have a temp of 97 ,day in and day out. And sweat like crazy when I do anything normal. Freeze when I am still. My doctor acts like this and many other things like rashes ,brain fog, ect, should be gone with meds. Yes I AM HASHIMOTOS!!!!
Best Redards , Deborah

Deborah,
Your description sounds like you are describing ME too! Thyroid hormones regulate body temperature so absolutely common thyroid symptoms include abnormalities in our body’s temperature. I too have low body temperature consistently yet I experience periods where I feel freezing and then other times feel hot as a furnace. I have no ability to tolerate the cold in winter and even worse tolerating the heat in summer. No this is not imagined in your head and these symptoms along with rashes and brain fog may all be due to your Hashimoto’s. Now in Hashimoto’s it’s common for people to swing up and down between hypo and hyper symptoms with fluctuating TSH so it’s also possible that is why you experience the cold and hot too. In any case, a closer look at how you are being treated is needed. It is very common for thyroid sufferers to complain that they are being treated but they still suffer from symptoms. The reality is many people are not being optimally treated. I don’t know what tests have been done for you but mainstream medicine tends to rely on one test known as TSH to diagnose and treat thyroid conditions however this one test does not give a complete picture of the condition. Additional testing should include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. Be sure to ask your doctor for these tests. With Hashimoto’s there are also many possible underlying issues that are not being resolved for you and that’s why your condition is not improved. You should have comprehensive testing including blood sugar levels, sex hormone levels, iron panel with ferritin, selenium, vitamin D and B12 all tested. As well adrenals tested with a 24-hour saliva test for cortisol. As well there is considerable research linking gluten with Hashimoto’s so going gluten free may help as well testing for other food sensitivities. You can see that a more comprehensive look is needed. Here are some posts to help you get started with speaking to your doctor about more testing. It may be necessary for you to get a second medical opinion, even a third or fourth until you find someone who will test you completely. Best of luck and welcome to Hypothyroid Mom!

Hi …I am so happy I found your site. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 3 years ago when I was pregnant. I was given very little information and still at times feel uninformed. They took me off my medicine (synthroid) right after I had my baby. This lead me down a difficult path and now looking back I am not sure if it was baby blues or side affects from the thyroid. Long story short I was depressed thought it was the baby blues, lost a ton of hair again could be either post baby hormones or the thyroid, and finally had a hard time producing enough milk. At my 6 week post baby check up my obgyn finally referred me to an endocrinologist. I was put back on synthroid and went on with life. Recently I have noticed some changes, I have a cysts in one of my breast, my skin and head are extremely dry, and the most alarming symptom is I have shortness of breath and a tightening in my chest ( was not sure if i was having a panic attack or just a symptom) I am still tired all the time, my hair is brittle, and truly the depression has not gon away fully. I was wondering if you could give me your insight on my situation and if there are any other medication or tests I should have done.

Hi Nicole, thanks for leaving this question in this post and in “Top 5 Reasons Doctors Fail To Diagnose Hypothyroidism”. Good idea and absolutely your question is important so I’m happy you did that. Here is how I responded:

Nicole, you have so many of the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism and you need to speak to your doctor about this. If you read my post “300 Hypothyroidism Symptoms…Yes REALLY” attached below you will see your symptoms all listed. Please call your doctor today and get an appointment. Especially the tightening in your chest needs to be looked at because it could be thyroid related but it could also be something else such as anxiety or even a heart issue so see your doctor. What’s happened to you unfortunately is very common because there is one test TSH that’s used in mainstream medicine to diagnosed people, and one drug Synthroid prescribed. Now first it may be an issue that you need a higher dosage of your medication which you should ask your doctor, but it may also be that your Synthroid is not working for you. The first step is that you need to speak with your doctor about fuller testing which should include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies (TPO-Ab, TgAb, and TSIG), as well adrenal function and iron/ferritin levels. Then based on your results to determine if you need the addition of T3 medication to your treatment. Hopefully your doctor will do this testing, if not please seek a second medical opinion. Below I include a link to a post with the various drug options and a link to resources to help you find a great doctor. Please don’t just settle with the treatment you have now because with optimal treatment many of these symptoms can be reduced. You need to be an advocate for yourself.

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in late 2008, and by the time i had it diagnosed i was in quite a bad shape (in fact on the day of diagnosis they refused to let me leave the test centre until a doctor had given me the okay). Unfortunately, however, diagnosis is only half the battle. My GP chronically mismanaged my treatment and did not order a full suite of tests, and although i did make a recovery of sorts, it was not until in 2012 when i insisted on a referral to a specialist that my recovery and management of the condition really improved. My advice is to question your doctor about your treatment continually, and where possible, get referred to a specialist.

Hi Jim, thank you very much for commenting. I love hearing from my men readers. The title of my blog may be Hypothyroid Mom but I am writing for all the hypothyroid boys and men too. Your advice is extremely important and in fact I feel so strongly about your point that my entire blog revolves around the idea that you must be your own health advocate. Thyroid sufferers will continue to suffer until they research this condition fully on their own and take charge of their health. This includes insisting on seeing a specialist, and in many cases to seek a second medical opinion on your own even if that means seeing 2, 3, 4, 5, even 10 doctors until you find someone who is listening to you and will do all the necessary testing. I am happy you are an advocate for yourself Jim and that you are on the road to better health. Let me know how everything goes for you. Happy to have you on Hypothyroid Mom!

Hello Dana~
I recently found your site today and I’m so very thankful. I was diagnosed two years ago with hypothyroidism after the birth of my fourth child. I had no idea at the time how serious it could be. I was told by one end.dr that I had Hash’s, then by another that I didn’t. I’m on a low dose of Levoxl, but lately I’ve had the symptoms coming back again. I’m so tired, cold, losing hair, anxious, etc…and the latest is that my voice is so hoarse. I feel like I’m on no medication at all. I called my endo dr. and the earliest they can see me is July. Should I go to my primary care dr and ask for the full TSH panel? I’m tired of going from dr to dr ,I just want answers and results. I found your list of symptoms to be so helpful…and I’m surprised at how many I am having. I’m so tired of feeling tired and I just want to be an active member of my family.
Many thanks to you for sharing your story!

Hi Jody, I’m so happy you found Hypothyroid Mom. Welcome. July is way too long to wait given that you have common hypothyroid symptoms. You need confirmation whether you have Hashimoto’s or not. Yes go to your primary care doctor and explain that you don’t feel well and ask for Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid antibody testing. This at the minimum will give you a clearer picture and tell you whether you are being optimally treated. If your current doctor won’t do these tests, find another doctor in your area. Best of luck to you.

Hi Jody, Dana is right and there is great information on this site and others; educate yourself; also don’t wait until July. However, what you can do in the meantime is to support your adrenals. This will help enormously. :-vit C to bowel tolerance. Divide daily three to four times during the day.
Vit E in the form mixed tocopherols an d mixed tocotrenols. (This can slightly thin blood so stop two weeks b4 surgery/dental treatment and not with blood thinners.) But don’t panic; it is tho essential to adrenal health.
Vit B3, vit B5 and strong vit B complex too.
Minerals magnesium are absolutely essential. Phosphorus too. Just as with vit B when taking single minerals you must take a multi minerl t
Then also an adaptogen herb such as Ashwaghanda.
If your blood pressure is not raised take salt drinks to feel well.
Drink water.
Also additional stomach acid – Betaine HCL and digestive enzymes during meals.
You can chew yr lovothyroxine and let it stay in yr mouth; for better absorption.
These are things you can do whilst awaiting your appointment. They are essential to enabling you to feel better and supporting your thyroid too.
Look up adrenal fatigue it goes hand in hand with low thyroid.
Take vits n minerals after food, digestive enzymes with food and levo on an empty stomach 1 hour b4 eating.

Is there a special “diet” for those with Hashimoto’s and/or hypothyroidism? I have seen about three different online programs too that all say different ways to treat. How does one know which to choose? I am down to eating protein, fat, and non starchy veggies and still not better. No gluten, dairy, soy, grains, sugar, nuts, seeds, legumes, chocolate, fruit due to gut dysbiosis. Very frustrating! Thank you.

Hi Christina,
I am sure Dana will have a great deal of information for you on this subject, however, I can give you a couple of pointers. Firstly hypothyroidism regardless of its cause; Hashimotos or otherrwise; causes a slowing down of all organs and tissues around the body and that includes the digestive system. So your stomach will produce low levels of stomach acid and intrinsic factor; these are necessary for the start of the breakdown of food and Intrinsic Factor is necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B12 and its the reason why hypothyroid sufferers are low in B12.
So, you should supplement your stomach acid with Betaine HCL which is taken at each meal WITH your food. Increase the dose by one tablet with each meal until you feel a warm or hot sensation at which point you need to pull back your dose by one tablet. this is the dose you need to take with each meal. Smaller meals such as breakfast require one less tablet than the dose you have settled on for other meals. As time goes on and your hypothyroidism improves you may experience this warm/hot feeling again, at which point your should reduce your HCL dose by a further one tablet with each meal and stay with this until you experience this warm feeling again and reduce further by one tablet. Do this until you no longer reequire the HCL.
Regarding Intrinsic factor you should simply take sublingual B12 supplements. These are dissolved under the tongue directly into the blood stream, avoiding the need for absorption in the gut.
The digestive system produces many other digestive enzymes too and these are also available by supplement and you shold take these too.
The liver will also slow down whilst you are ill, since the Liver is a very essential and busy organ you will experience many effects as a result of this slowing including rising cholesterol levels. Do not be fooled into taking Statins. Once your thyroid function is well supported you will see your cholesterol levels fall. This is a sign your liver function is improved. The Liver produces bile; much of which is cholesterol and bile salts; this is released into the gut via the gallbladder. It colours the stool and deodorises as well as acting as a emulsifyer for fats. As a result of low liver function you may experience pale stools which tend to float on the surface in the toilet; this will resolve when the Liver is able to function better; dont be alarmed.
The other thing of course is PRObiotics and PREbiotics to replace and support healthy gut bacteria.

HOWEVER, YOU MUST consider treating yeast infections too. Yeast and thyroid go hand in hand. Because often with hypothyroidism you get infections and require antibiotics which kill good bacteria allowing yeast to proliferate FURTHER your low stomach acid fails to kill any yeast taken in with your diet and these new yeast will add to the growing yeast problem.
Yeast sits well in our gut and does us no harm in normal health BUT once the gut flora is disturbed the yeast is able to flourish. Healthy gut bacteria keep the yeast in check but without good bacteria and a healthy gut the yeast is able to take over. Further it changes its form from this harmless yeast growth to an invasive type which grows roots and burrow into and through your gut wall. At this point the yeast invades the rest of the body rather than being contianed in the gut.
The holes in the ut wall also provide opportunity for large molecules and proteins which would normally stay in the gut to pass through its wall and into the general circulation. This can cause allergic reactions.
Hippocrates said All disease starts in the gut – well not those words but the meaning is the same! The gut is part of your immune system including the stomach acid and anticeptic in your saliva; its importance is often underestimated.
So Christina Start with these things. Antifungal diet, find out if you have any allergies to certain foods by the process of elimination. Keep a diary so you can look back and see what works for you and what doesnt.
Lufenuron is available on the internet as an antifungal Treatment. I have used it and so too many friends and family, to good effect. It is necessary to take it over about 6 months in my experience. So one sachet per month as you take it in three days and then that is it for three to four weeks, then take the next sachet over the next three days again and so on.
Sometimes with Hashis you avoid gluten etc., but you seem to be doing that. As you improve you can try the re-introduce some foods and see if they are ok for you, if not avoid them again for at least 6-12 months and then try them again; often most if not all foods can be reintroduced. Your gut health is the most effective way of preventing problems in the future.
Often hypothyroid sufferers will have slow gut motility and taking good doses of Vitamin C throughout the day will help with this as the only side effect of Vitamin C supplementation is increasing gut motility. This also applies to magnesium. These are much more gentle ways of getting the gut working again; dont encourage it to rush too much otherwise you dont absorb vitamins and mineals from your diet. Magnesium and Vit C are essential to take if you have hypothyroidism and avoid calcium unless you have a problem with your parathyroids; most of us in the west get more than enough calcium in our diet but very little magnesium. Magnesium is just as essential to bone health but never spoken about. It is also essential to brain heart and adrenal function. Hypothyroids are often low in magnesium and therefore you should be supplementing. Take at night immediately before bedtime as it helps relax the body. Take also a multimineral if you ever take a single mineral as the body needs both at the same time.
I am sure Dana will have more great information to add to this.
Best wishes,.

Hi Christina, I know it is very frustrating to figure out what foods to eat and what not to eat. I assume when you say not better you mean they haven’t helped your symptoms generally and I assume you also mean the diet change hasn’t helped you lose weight too. There is a great deal of research on the connection between gluten and hypothyroidism especially Hashimoto’s, so for many people going gluten free relieves symptoms and helps people lose weight. This is how I reacted to going gluten free however we are each different. It’s worth a try and several thyroid experts suggest that even one bit of gluten can trigger the condition for days so strict gluten free is what they advise.

I’ve heard many readers do great on the Paleo diet but I haven’t tried that personally myself.

However the most important factor is to consider whether your condition is being optimally treated. If not you will continue to suffer symptoms and continue to struggle with weight issues. Have you had your Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 tested and thyroid antibodies tested? What thyroid drug treatment are you on?

There is a great interview Mary Shomon did with Dr. Kent Holtorf on weight loss about the importance of testing reverse T3 and leptin. Best of luck to you.

Thank you so much Sally and Dana for the wonderful information! yes, gluten free, not even ONE bite, since February, 2011! Anyway… I will look at the links further as well. Thank you again for spending so much time and help for me! Blessings, Christina

I am right there with you! It is hard, for me I have tried different methods with different results. finally this year I have managed to lose 56 lbs since march. I still have 44 to go but I’m confident that I am finally on the right track. I started a blog so I can share what is working for me with other hypothyroid patients. What works for “normal” people is not what works for me. Or rather it is not enough. Certainly the timeline is very different as well. I too went gluten free, dairy free, no sugar, etc. for the longest time and I still gained weight! How many calories are you consuming each day? Are you exercising? Personally (and we each have a different level/reaction /effect to our hypo issues) I do not experience weight loss unless I am consuming 800 calories and working out daily. Tough I know! Before anyone jumps down my throat I have been doing this “adventure” with weekly MD visits, a trainer, a masseuse and dietician. So I am constantly monitored, I am not “making” myself sick. That is what it takes for MY body to let go of the fat.http://naughtythyroid.blogspot.com/2013/11/losing-weight-with-hypothyrodism.html

Hello, Dana. I am a 20 year old female and I was diagnosed with a skin disorder at 15 and then graves disease at 16 and then I went through RAI and then turned Hypothyroid. It was a very hard transition for me and I wondered why and how I got this. I am crying as I read this because I feel some type of relief I have not been myself every since all of this happened. Many folks around me just don’t get it or they think it is not a big deal but I know only I can feel the way I feel every day. I am always feeling very tired and lately my skin have been so dried out and terrible acne on my chest my hair line dry scalp and breaking off hair I remember when I first did the rai treatment and I took a shower and all of my hair started to fall out it was terrible. I didn’t know I couldn’t take hot baths either at that time and my skin burned and have not been the same since. I feel foggy headed a lot and sometimes I literally cannot think it drives me crazy. I have hives all the time and this leads me to being so paranoid about myself wondering do I have all types of other diseases I go to the doctor and they claim to find nothing and send me away with stress symptoms and tell me to relax and my doctor even suggested anti depressants and anxiety meds. I am always paranoid and I am more to myself now also. I hate talking on the phone now and when I was in middle school my mom couldn’t keep me off the phone. I get zero sleep sometimes and then if I do I wake up feeling worse than I did before I went to sleep in the first place. I have burning sensations with my skin and if I don’t put lotion on I pay for it not long after a bath or a shower. Sometimes I feel like I am choking and a heavy feeling on the back of my neck. I have bad muscle aches and even feet spasms, back spasms, leg cramps and now my wrist gets very tired and painful not long after writing something I have to always stop and flex my wrists. If I get stressed out that is very bad I lose sleep, appetite and also I get foggy headed times 10 it is hard to lift my head up sometime. I am sorry to ramble on and on but I had to share what I think I normally do not post comments on sites. I have been looking up things because I wanted to know what in the world is wrong with me. This site have me some peace knowing that this is what it comes from because I was going crazy over here. And there is nothing worse than paying a doctor who just don’t listen to you or think you are simply crazy and want to push you off. I want to find a natural way to get myself back because I am so young I have a bright future ahead of me. I am in my junior year of college and despite getting sick a lot I still am trying to push I want to get my undergrad and continue on to law school. I pray for my strength daily sometimes I feel like giving up because this is so hard to fight. Knowing that I am not alone helps me and I didn’t know the thyroid causes so much SO MUCH! Thank you so much for this information. I am searching for a good doctor who is concerned about my health and well being and not just a check. I am going to start keeping a journal also about my daily day and what I eat and how I feel and take that along with me when I go back to get my levels checked thank you so much!

Shawnquita, I am so sorry to hear all that you’ve been through. I am happy you found this article at Hypothyroid Mom. I wrote this article because I knew there would be many readers who would stumble on this article and have a light bulb moment when they figure out the reason for all their health symptoms. Your symptoms sound so similar to hypothyroidism that absolutely you must seek the help of a doctor who really understands thyroid conditions, who really listens to you and all your symptoms, and who does all the necessary testing to be sure you are being optimally treated. It is one thing to be treated with thyroid drugs but another to be treated so that you feel well. To begin, you must be sure to find a doctor who will test your Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies, as as your adrenals, sex hormone levels, iron/ferritin, vitamin B12, D3, magnesium, zinc and selenium. You should see if you have any food sensitivities, for example many hypothyroid people feel better on a gluten free diet so it’s worth to try for 30 days. Here is a post that gives you the basics then I’ve added two great resources to help you find a great thyroid doctor. Best of luck to you. Welcome to Hypothyroid Mom! You are welcome to join me on Facebook on the Hypothyroid Mom Facebook fan page where you’ll meet readers all suffering the same. You’ll know then that you are truly not alone.

Thanks Dana! I have been doing research on gluten free diets so I am trying it and I also have been told I have leaky gut syndrome and I have all symptoms of candida. I have been suffering from oral thrush on and off since 2011 and I remember during the time it started I was feeling very weak and ill and my meds seemed not to be working for me at all. I then was switched from 150 mcg to 100 mcg Levothyroixine and a prescription for Nystatin to treat the thrush but it came back again. I did the at home test for candida myself and I see it has taken over my body. A lot of the symptoms match Hypothyroidism also and that was so shocking I see why I feel my symptoms are worse times 100! I am doing research on the link between candida and thyroid issues and there seems to be a link with the two. I thank you for this site for us to be able to communicate so many people don’t understand what goes on with someone with thyroid levels so out of whack. I am going to start tackling this yeast overgrowth issue and going on a sugar free diet, take my probiotics and antifungal supplements and taking it from there. I will keep you all posted!

Thank you for sharing these articles on Candida. Absolutely I’ve read about the connection between Candida and thyroid disease. I saved the articles you shared because I will write an article on this topic in future. I have a Hypothyroid Mom Facebook Fan page. You are welcome to visit there. A fan just today posted this question about candida on my Facebook page.

Miss Ruby here! I’ve had a grand total of “6” miscarriages all of which were in the first trimester and one in the early second. An autoimmune disorder was always suspected but who knew that my thyroid could be the culprit. My sister had hers burned and my neice had hers removed. In the last few weeks, I’ve felt like crap…strange feelings like tingling all over, extreme fatigue after eating and out of nowhere, nausea, unbearable constipation and hard stools, strange tight feeling in my throat like something is stuck and the feeling of gaining weight every minute. I just felt big and blah! So, I decided to order a bottle of the Thyroid Support Complex from Botanic Choice. I didn’t want to take any multi-glandular complex. The package arrived either Friday/Saturday this past weekend and already I’m feeling better.

I didn’t even realize there was such thing as Thyroid support supplements. I looked it up because the idea of taking something “natural” to help with symptoms is always appealing. However I read an article on WebMD about a study done on these types of supplements and it was scary! 90% of supplements that were tested contained ground up pigs thyroid, most of them being in a range that was much too high, and half of them did not even put on the label that it contained animal thyroid! Definitely do your homework before taking a supplement, especially something that is not FDA approved. Here is the article:

Hi Marina, I too have concern over thyroid support products readily available on the internet. We don’t know what effect the ingredients will have on our bodies and people may take them without speaking to their doctor and having their thyroid levels checked regularly to see the effects of them on the body. I encourage caution. I know everyone is frustrated if they are not doing well on their thyroid treatment, but it’s better to find a new doctor who explores the drug options with you to find what works for you than for readers to go out in search of thyroid support products on their own.

I don’t disagree with you, some thyroid supports have variable amounts of thyroid glandular. However, the fact that it is pigs thyroid should not be distressing to you unless you are Vegan with strong views about animal products. Desiccated thyroid is a pigs or cows thyroid product and has been used since Hypothyroid treatment first began. I am vegetarian and take ERFA Thyroid a pigs thyroid product. It saved my life.
Generally of course it is best to get Drs support when treating your thyroid dysfunction and Desiccated Thyroid is prescribed by Drs as treatment even now. It is one of the best products available.

If you are shocked about the variation in dose in some supplements firstly I must say that variation doesn’t occur in the prescribed products, HOWEVER, It has often occurred with the drug Levothyroxine (UK) and the FDA put a stop on its production on three different occasions due to the variation in strength of this product. I understand the drug companies have now sorted this; but this has not happened with prescribed desicccated thyroid products.
Some people however, cannot get treatment via their Dr or Naturopath etc., and they resort to using these over the counter pigs thyroid products. they are a lifeline to those people and I should hate to see them stopped for that reason. I am lucky enough to have a supportive Dr for the time being, but for those who don’t and don’t have the cash to find one these products are a saviour. I cannot condon them. Education is important and when using these products it is important to educate yourself and further to get to know your body well and to monitor how these products are affecting your body. If taken with knowledge and understanding they can be a useful tool for some. Sally

Do becareful that this study or the report is not an effort by drug companies to discredit desiccated thyroid. they have been doing this for years, and yet it was their product that was unsafe due to the fact they would label a product with its doseage and then double the doseage in the product because during its shelf life the drug lost strength. Therefore the patients were not getting the regular dose they thought they were getting. This was the drug Thyroxine (T4) and NOT desiccated thyroid/pigs thyroid. Since desiccated thyroid is again becoming more popular perhaps pharmaceutical companies (looking at their profits) are worried. Sally

Hi Miss Ruby, I am very sorry to hear about your 6 miscarriages. That is a tragedy no one should have to go through.

I am not familiar with Thyroid Support Complex from Botanic Choice so I can’t speak specifically about that product, however I do have concern over thyroid support products. There are many different thyroid support products available even on major health websites. I worry about them because thyroid hormone levels if too high or too low have the power to harm us and I worry that we don’t know what exactly is in these products and if they are taken without doctor supervision that your thyroid levels can boost high quickly to hyper levels that can be damaging. For all my readers, I recommend you speak with your doctor about these products and even bring the bottle in for him/her to check the ingredients and to be sure to have your thyroid levels tested after a few weeks on the product and regularly thereafter.

I am happy this product is working for you Miss Ruby but please be sure to bring the bottle to your doctor to see it and to have your thyroid levels tested. Best of luck to you.

I have suffered with an underactive thyroid for the past three years. I have been taking regular medication but stopped as I was told my levels were normal. I also have psoriatic arthritis and take Humira to treat this. Recently my gums started bleeding and have showed signs of receding. My doctor did tests for a full blood count and blood clotting, both came back fine. I have booked an appointment with my dentist thinking I may have gum disease. I did a google search on low thyroid and bleeding gums and saw your site. I had no idea that this was one of the symptoms. I started taking my thyroid meds again last week and hope that this will go someway to helping my gums to stop bleeding. Have you known of anyone else suffering with this symptom?

The gum disease and psoriastic arthritis is thyroid related. If you got good thyroid treatment u would resolve those symptoms without taking treatment for them individually.
Yes particularly the reversing ans bleeding gums. Hypothyroidism causes inflammatory disease throughout the body.
Consider taking anti-inflammatory foods and vits n minerals to help but good thyroid support is essential.
Remember adrenal support too as Cortisol made by adrenals is anti-inflammatory.
When taking thyroid support try to avoid titrating yr dose by the TSH but rather go by how u feel plus basal temps pulse n bp.

Steph, it’s amazing how low thyroid can affect our teeth. This article attached includes a comprehensive list of hypo symptoms including specifics on teeth. Yes I have many readers on my Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page that share they have struggles with their teeth too. You are welcome to join us there.

It’s great to see such an extensive list of symptoms and also comforting to know that I’m not crazy. I have been on treatment for hypothyroidism since 2002. But even with treatment and having it so called under control I still experience lack of energy etc. Etc. Of course when I told my doctor this he suggested prozac…yes just because I have no energy apparently that means I am depressed. Well over the past year I have had plantar fasciitis I’m wearing orthotics religiously but still in pain…over the last month I have been experiencing back pain which a couple of weeks ago ended up being musculoskeletal spasms. I ended up going to a naturopath who also does acupuncture that really helped my back, and in talking to her about other random symptoms I have experienced she opened up a can of worms in my head. All random symptoms to me but it seemed to create a puzzle for her to want to solve. Symptoms like numbness in fingers tingling, feeling like needles poked into my finger joints,burning in my hip joints, tender skin on my forearms without any physical or visual reason, pain in my shoulder and elbow joints, and of course the spasms in my back. Her thoughts have been vitamin D or vitamin B12 or B6 deficiencies, but based on my diet I shouldn’t be that deficient in these vitamins. So then the family history was discussed my one grandmother had Lupus, and the other Hypothyroidism, and my sister has Hypothyroidism and was diagnosed with Celiacs 14 months ago. I have An appointment with my doctor this week, time to push for some blood tests. I have talked to my husband about all of this…and I mentioned to him that my last period only lasted 3 days versus the usual 6 days…he thinks I might be going through premature menopause…..it would be nice to find out what the heck is going on with my body….I’m only 36

Angie, you have so many hypothyroid symptoms. Many thyroid sufferers are on treatment but not optimal treatment. The very fact that you have a grandmother with Lupus, your sister with Celiac disease, are red flags that you must have your thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s (TPO-Ab and TgAb) and antibodies for Graves (TSI) tested. When you have one autoimmune condition like hashimoto’s you are more likely to develop others like Lupus and Celiac. There is a strong genetic component to Hashimoto’s. Also Hashimoto’s has been linked to mental health symptoms.

I have stumbled upon this page by accident specially that I’m preparing a presentation and report about Hashimoto thyroiditis… surprisingly I found a lot of the symptoms listed here relates to me specially that I have witnessed an alarming weight gain from 52 kilos to 70 kg in the past year. I thought it was because of the depo provera shot that I took which also caused me recurring pain in the arm where I received the shot. I took the depo provera because I had unexplained excessive menstrual bleeding that cause me to have an very low Iron level. now I switched to IUD

Aia,
I am really sorry to read your list of symptoms particularly since I understand fully how you are feeling; I could and have in the past, written that list of symptoms. There was not one of your symptoms I hadnt experienced myself. So firstly take heart; I cannot write a list of my own symptoms so long any more. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
You are Hypothyroid without a doubt; many of your symptoms suggest this:
Yellow colouration due to inability of the liver to process Vitamin A means the colour yellow leaches out of our body via our skin. The liver doesnt function well with Hypothyroidism and this causes many many problems and symptoms for us Hypothyroid sufferers. Your emperature variation and sensitivity is due to slow metabolism in the cells of oxygen; this means less activity in the cells and so less heat is produced, all because there is too little thyroid hormone reaching your cells. Choking is likely due to a goitre/swelling of thyroid gland tissue. Weight issues again 2/3rd of people gain weight with Hypothyroidism. Eye problems are caused by low thyroid hormone levels and so too loss of head hair along with many other symptom you listed.
HOWEVER, alongside Hypothyroidism it is apparent you have other problems too. These are all associated with the thyroid issues. They come like a family; so yeast issues and low Adrenal gland function go hand in hand with thyroid issues. Salt cravings, waking and still feeling tired, Low immune system, loss of body hair, acne, increased weight around the abdominal area specifically, easily upset and other hormonal issues, anxiety, the jumpiness and restless leg syndrome are strongly related to Adrenal glands. Just as Sweet cravings, abdominal distention, bleeding gums and itching is related to yeast infection.
The problem is they are all inter-related too, so for example GERD and other digestive tract issues you have listed are caused by slowing of the metabolism due to low thyroid hormone but also yeast causes digestive problems too.
Then there is a viscious cycle too, due to low thyroid function and low adrenal gland function and further due to yeast infection you WILL suffer recurring infections around the body. Inturn you are prescribed antibiotics for these infections which may or maynot cure the problem; but those antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your gut and so you encourage more yeast problems. Further with low thyroid function you have low stomach acid and therefore yeast gets into our system via our food and drink and breathing and isnt killed by stomach acid and so has access into our body this way too. The whole thing is self perpetuating. So somehow you have to break the cycle.
I did this by firstly getting a Dr who would do as he was told! hard to find but he was very supportive in providing prescriptions and referrals. There are many things you can do yourself the first thing is EDUCATION do find out as much as you possibly can on these things. Then you can also look at your own lifestyle, are you eating properly and do you take exercise however, small in the first instance and increase exercise as you can. Love yourself and believe in yourself, you are not going mad and your feelings are real BUT they are there because your body isnt functioning well. So those suicidal thoughts are there because your brain is being robed of adequate thyroid hormone; so find a way of dealing with those thoughts and believe that they will pass. I promise you they will and you will come through this and feel well at the end of it. I am not saying that you will not have to tweek and change things throughout your life, but you will feel well and able to do the things you used to. Those symptoms; yes all of them; will disappear.
So check out my previous reply regarding adrenal support. This is essential, Mainly vitamins, minerals and herbs with some other supplements too. It may be necessary to use physiological Hydrocortisone too. I didnt need the HC but did need DHEA and you will know this once you take a 4xdiurnal salivary test. This is essential in deciding do you need HC or DHEA. The vits and minerals and herbs I mentioned in a previous reply are the same for us all, you have to find your tolerance level.
Then you need your Dr to do extensive bloods for your iron levels. If you have too much or too little iron you will not be able to utilise thyroid hormone.
Then of course you must treat yeast. Do not ignor it. It attacks the thyroid gland but also other organs in your body. It has been found in cancer tumours when removed by surgery; it is a nasty piece of work. I use Lufenuron available via the net. By the way I have no financial interest in anything I say; I work as a builder and used to be a nurse and midwife for 30years, so my interest is purely your suffering or rather relief of it. Then change your diet cut out sugars including natural sugars so you need a low GI diet, some say cut out yeast too from your diet. There is much information out there on the web regarding yeast infections. Not all yeast is candida but is often referred to as such.
Increase your good water intake; spring water the best otherwise home filtered water is good. Taking salt drink in the morning and afternoon is good if your suffering dry mouth and dehydration.
Sleep with a black out blind and have a routine which you follow each night. Take a banana top bed and if you wake do eat it and try to sleep again otherwise maybe some cereal will healp. This flies in the face of low carbs but carbs help produce melatonin which helps you sleep.
Look at everything you do and see if there is something you can change for the better.
Do take Hydrochloric Acid supplements HCL Betaine is what you look for. Take with each meal. Again I have written in detail how to do this, somewhere on here. Also other digestive enzymes will help too.
Then there is your thyroid. All these things need to be inplace before you concentrate on your thyroid support otherwise your thyroid support cannot work effectively.
Very best wishes and do keep this forum updated. Sally

REPLACE your good bacteria with probiotics and keep them healthy with pre biotics. Also you could take a liver support such as Silymarin Milk Thistle. Sorry I forgot to mention there is much more I could say but aware of my long repies; these are the important things but by educating yourself you will find more detail. It is vital for you getting better health to know and understand your body. the other thing I might just mention is keep a record of your basal temperature plus three hourly temperature through the day (4x) and also pulse and BP. Low basal temperature is due to low thyroid function and then fluctuating temperatures through the day are due to low adrenal function. You will gradually see all these recordings settle as you feel better.
Also I do apologise for typing/spelling errors I type very quickly ! I’m sure you get the drift despite these. Best wishes. Sally

Hi Alia, Absolutely yes please go get your thyroid checked! With all those symptoms yes please do. Your sister mentioned vitamin D and vitamin and mineral testing is equally important. To begin request the following testing as they are all common issues with hypothyroidism sufferers.

Hi there,
I have many of the symptoms listed like, dry skin, itchy skin to the point where I scratch and I bleed, headaches, sinus infections, asthma, allergies( increasing more and more) hives all the time out of no where, fatigue, around 2:30 pm I sit down and cannot for the life of me keep my eyes open, snoring, do not sleep well ( I take 7.5mg of zoplicone /day) , I feel weak, cold/hot sweats, night sweating, feels like my insides or shivering but not on the outside, dry mouth, very red eyes, numbness and tingling on right side from face to feet, mood swings, anxiety ( i’m guessing), chest pains, panic attacks , jumpy, startle easily and many many more….I have had my thyroid tested and my TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 were normal but my TPO was 139 and retested 3 weeks later and at 137…..my family dr says that it is not my thryoid but everything that I have researched says that high TPO is cause for concern…I am just wondering if I should check further into it or maybe it is something else? I have never felt like this in my life and it is very hard to raise my twin girls and have a positive outlook on life right now ….any advice would be greatly appreciated

Tina, Your high TPO antibodies confirms you have Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune form of hypothyroidism. It is common for people in the early stages of Hashimoto’s to have normal blood tests but they suffer symptoms. It is controversial but some suggest treating with thyroid drugs even if TSH is normal will help slow down the attack. You need to get a second medical opinion with someone who understands Hashimoto’s.

Hi Dana, Thank you for answering my concerns…I am going to the dr tomorrow and to ask them to do all the thyroid tests including the reverse one….once I recieve those results I will post them for maybe some further advice and I will let you know what the dr tells me to do .As I sit here my whole left side of my head is numb and the top of my right hand as well…..I also think I am getting some anxiety over all of this back and forth stuff with drs…:( try again tomorrow
Thank you so much

One more thing to add…that my TSH levels were different in both the tests I had, first one at 2.30mu/L and the second one was at 1.25 mu/L….so does the TSH fluctuate in a normal person?
Thank you again , I am getting a second opinion…I live in British Columbia Canada and not sure how to find a good Dr with Hashimoto’s experience…

TSH levels fluctuate throughout the daytime, so if the test isnt done at the same time of the day each time you have the test the results will have the natural circadian rhthym of fluctuation regardless of thyroid/pituitary dysfunction/function.
If you are taking any thyroid medication do not take it prior to your test, so miss a dose and take that dose once the blood is drawn, even if its not your normal time for dosing; its important to keep your levels up.
Best of Luck, Sally (UK)

Tina, with Hashimoto’s it is common for people to cycle back and forth between hyper and hypo symptoms with TSH going up and down. It is a common pattern with Hashimoto’s and more reason to get all the proper testing.

Tina, It is frustrating however the good news is that you are close to figuring out what is going on for you health wise. Once you know what the issues are it will be easier to resolve. Continue with your persistence because it is worth it to search for a great doctor who understands thyroid conditions.

Thank you Dana for adding all of this information….I have been trying for two years to get my Doctor and endocrinologist to listen to me. I had radioactive iodine twice for Graves and put on synthroid in 2006. Within the last two years I have been prescribed HRT in various forms and have found out through my own exhaustive research that estrogen blocks thyroid receptors. Two years ago my thyroid levels dropped significantly and was told it was not the source of my problems it is menopause. After several dose changes with and without estrogen I know I am right and my original idea was a good one. My thyroid finally died (it takes 1-10 years for the cells to be destroyed) and a dose increase would have solved my current health concerns. I am on my own now and will manage my dose to bring my level back to high normal. It took almost two years for my endocrinologist to admit that my TSH should be supressed and that my Free T4 and FreeT3 should be in the higher end of the range. I am definitely keeping your information handy for reference.

Marg, It is good to hear from you. Thyroid advocate Mary Shomon wrote: “More innovative doctors are beginning to believe that a TSH of around 1 – 2 — in the low end of the normal range — is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms. Similarly, some practitioners feel that optimal hypothyroidism treatment includes Free T4 in the top half of the normal range, and Free T3 in the top 25th percentil of the normal range.” I personally feel terrible when my Free T3 is in the bottom half of the normal range or even the middle of the range. Yes those lab values are technically “normal” but they aren’t optimal for me. I feel my best when my Free T3 is in the top half of the range. It’s about having a doctor listening to you that you don’t feel well and them exploring the options with you to find what’s right for you. Bottom line is if you don’t feel well then something isn’t right and you have to be an advocate for yourself to get proper treatment.

Thank you very much Dana for responding. You are absolutely right, a Doctor who is willing to listen is key. Unfortunately I find myself in the middle of a revolving door. I have been in and out of so many Dr’s offices with the same diagnosis, there is nothing wrong with you!!! I am going forward with making the dose change as I have to before things really get out of control. This mind and body disorder is trying at the best and worst of times. I recently reviewed an article from the Endocrinology Journal which highlighted the need for a higher dose of synthroid for women being prescribed estrogen during menopause (the same holds true for pregnant women as estrogen levels are higher). Apparently the increase is around 30%, my dose was reduced three weeks ago so my struggle starts all over again!!

Having the support of others like yourself is more than helpful (I think my dog is tired of listening to all of my ahah moments!) Thanks

The endocrinologist I go to called me this pm. she did listen to a point. The bottom line is still a thyroid gland that is totally inactive so the TSH level means nothing to me. A current free T4 of 12 and Free T3 of 3.8 with loads of estrogen replacement (no progesterone) is a significant drop from two years ago when I felt well (T4 17.2 T3 4.1) She is allowing a drastic dose change based on my symptoms (or I like to say the inability to function physically and mentally). I may have to go through the heart palpitations but it will be worth it to have moisture, hair and focus back. She still thinks that estrogen is my main problem…I beg to differ….I have had to do minor test studies on myself this year as I was loosing faith in the medical community. My GP definitely is no longer involved in dosing of my thyroid medication. Many years ago I went through similar life events as yourself, miscarriage, heavy periods (ended up having a hysterectomy (no one ever tested my thyroid), on antibiotics all the time as I could never shake the common cold and muscle pulls/strains and tears. Now that I am going through a different life phase I am trying to read as much as I can to educate myself. I purchased Mary S. book Menopause and thyroid. There are so many similarities. I have always been a physically active person and have gone through weight fluctuations in the past but when I had my surgery in 2002 I guess the stress of the surgery triggered the Graves. I also ended up with TED and have had four eye surgeries (one was orbit decompression) and have another one booked in mid May.
I am hesitant to have the surgery just in case my healing time is compromised or the general anes. impacts me too much being low thyroid right now. One week for the estrogen to leave my system and count back three weeks for thyroid,,,so I have about two weeks before I feel better and several weeks to recover from what has happened to me over the past two years!!! If you could include a site with accurate information about menopause and hypothyroid it would be greatly appreciated.

Marg, Can I suggest that it is imperative you sort out the yeast problem you are likely to have as a result of both your thyroid dysfunction and further the amount of antibiotics you have taken over the years. Yeast is a silent but deadly thing; in the first instance it lives within us without causing problems but once you kill off the good bacteria in your gut the yeast turns into a monster. It grows roots which burrow through your gut wall and then the yeast is systemic; silently causing us many many other problems.
So; I have used a product called Lufenuron which has been very effectivefor me and many people I know. Also check out your diet stop sugars even natural sugars for a while, others suggest stop yeast too. Take antifungal foods such as coconut products and garlic etc. Yeast takes months to get rid of and so you must commit yourself to at least 6-12 months of treatment, (more in some cases)
It is difficult to get your thyroid replacement hormone to a good level without sorting these things first. So another task is to check your adrenal glands.
You can have a salivary test which checks both Cortisol and DHEA; do the four times through the day test. It is likely you have adrenal problems not least because you have suffered thyroid problems but also surgery and stress, etc. If you sort your adrenal problems you will find your sex hormones will settle too.
Vitamins and minerals and herbs will support your adrenals; you may also need to have DHEA supplement (depending on Spit test), and in exteme cases it is necessary for people to take PHYSIOLOGICAL doses of Cortisol supplement (from Dr). Physiological doses are very small doses which dont knock your adrenal glands out completely but simply support the adrenals.
Adrenals whcih ahve become fatigued means they cannot do their job properly; they are essential to life in that you are dead within days if your adrenals fail completely. They also produce your sex glands especially after menopause; there is a myth that women stop producing sex hormones after menopause, that is not so. The ovaries stop producing their hormones but the adrenals glands which have always produced sex hormones, continue; it just means you cant get pregnant cos your ovaries and ueterus are not involved. If you sort your adrenals you will NOT need to take any sex hormone replacement and some would says that replacing one of the sex hormones will cause more harm to you anyhow. It can block thyroid hormone getting into the cells. If your properly support your adrenal gland they will start to balance the sex hormmones properly as they should do, and you will feel much better. I have done this myself.
The other thing is you need NORMAL levels of Iron, not too high and not too low as this stops thyroid hormone getting into your cells.
There is much information about this stuff on Dr Myhills website. She is a private GP in the UK here. She specialises in M.E. and CFS ETC but also thyroid; because they are so related. Her web site is very informative. If you want more details, I am happy to give more information if you cant find it. I have written about adrenal support on this site, so check back. Best of luck, Sally

I guess I was so used to advocating for other family members that I had forgotten about myself. When my husband was told he had cancer I looked after everything so that he could carry on with what he needed to do to complete his life. I spoke up then so I have to find my voice once again. It is difficult when I feel so horrible to let my voice be heard.
Marg

Marg, I am sorry to hear about your husband Marg. I can only imagine the stress you were under. Stress is a known trigger for thyroid conditions and for worsening existing ones. Absolutely please be an advocate for yourself. When we are under extreme stress often times this wreaks havoc on our adrenals and causes abnormal cortisol levels which are so connected to thyroid function that they must be checked. The best test for adrenals is a 24-hour saliva test for cortisol levels. Also when we are under stress, our bodies will convert more of the T4 hormone into inactive Reverse T3 instead of the active T3 hormone our bodies need leaving us with low Free T3 but high Reverse T3 and lots of symptoms. Be sure to have your Free T3 and Reverse T3 tested. Best wishes to you and your husband.

Hi Marg, Omega 3 is a great supplement for thyroid sufferers and for all people. I regularly include fish oil and flax oils in my day. I also get testing for selenium, vitamin D3, B12, magnesium and zinc and iron including ferritin because it is common for hypothyroidism sufferers to be low and require supplementation. I always ask my doctor her recommendation for dosing. Too much may be harmful so I always ask for dosages based on my lab tests. I currently take all of these vitamin because my lab tests showed that I was low in all of these.

I have so many of those symptoms it is unbelievable. I have had my blood work check two years in a row and it was normal. It was not just a Tsh it broke it down to t2 and t4 not sure what results were but doctor said all normal.last test Dec 2012

Hi Joyce,
Unfortunately its no use relying on the Doc to translate the results; what they believe is normal may not be. However, on the other hand your results MAY appear so called ‘normal’ but infact you can still be hypothyroid for so many reasons. If you have adequate T4 levels both Free and Bound you may have raised rT3 which blocks the T4 from accessing thyroid hormone receptors at the cellular level and so on. You need to get the results of your tests and the lab ‘ranges’ which are supplied at the saem time, to your Doc.
Post them and let Dana see them for comments.
Best of luck, Sally

Joyce, It is unfortunately very common for thyroid sufferers to be told their labs are “normal” yet they suffer common symptoms. You must get a copy of your lab results because what is “normal” may not be “optimal”. For example, you can be “normal” for tests but you are low in the normal range which may not be ideal. For example, thyroid advocate Mary Shomon wrote: “More innovative doctors are beginning to believe that a TSH of around 1 – 2 — in the low end of the normal range — is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms. Similarly, some practitioners feel that optimal hypothyroidism treatment includes Free T4 in the top half of the normal range, and Free T3 in the top 25th percentil of the normal range.” I personally feel terrible when my Free T3 is in the bottom half of the normal range. Yes technically that is “normal” but I don’t feel well unless my Free T3 is in the top half of the range. You must get a copy of your results to see what tests have been done and what your scores are relative to the reference ranges.

Generally how long does it take for a new dose to take effect? I am a bit worried about the dry mouth et. al symptoms (my teeth and gums). I know that it take approx. 6 weeks to feel the full effect of a dose change (I may have to increase in three weeks based on bloodwork as per my endocrinologist). I am hoping that each day I should feel an improvement. This is the first day that I have not had to take a nap in months, maybe things are starting to look up a bit.. Would be nice to have all of the dryness issues resolved sooner than later, two years is long enough thanks!!
Marg

Marg, We are all individual in what dosage is right for us and for how we react to dosage changes. For me it takes a few weeks on a dosage change to feel better. In the early stages when my doctor was trying to figure out the right dosage for me she had me tested every 4-6 weeks until she found the right dose for me. Best wishes to you.

I was diagnosed hypothyroid 14 months ago, I have most of the symptoms and can barely get through the day, my last results were
TSH – 1.55 RANGE IS 0.3 – 3.0
FT4 – 16.2 RANGE IS 9.00 – 20.00
FT3 – 3.4 RANGE IS 3.5 – 7.8
My ft3 is clearly below range and I have been asking the endo to please try me on some t3 medication but they keep telling me that although my blood results are low they are not that much under range.

I am at my witts end and I am crying all the time and have gain three stone in the last 15 months and although I eat very healthy and exercise I cannot lose the weight, It is getting me really down, what can I do.

Your Free T3 levels are way too low and that’s why you are experiencing symptoms. Now they are not okay. Internationally-known thyroid advocate Mary Shomon wrote: “More innovative doctors are beginning to believe that a TSH of around 1 – 2 — in the low end of the normal range — is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms. Similarly, some practitioners feel that optimal hypothyroidism treatment includes Free T4 in the top half of the normal range, and Free T3 in the top 25th percentil of the normal range.” Your Free t3 is below the range and at that range I struggled to keep my eyes open during the day along with so many other symptoms. I feel terrible even when my Free T3 is middle of the range. I feel my best when my Free T3 is in the top half of the range. Mary Shomon’s article states top 25th percentil for Free T3 and your level is much lower than this.

My doctor got my Free T3 up to the top of the normal range by adding T3 medication to my treatment. The most common thyroid treatment is Synthroid but this drug only contains T4 hormone, and while some people do great on it, many of us do not because our bodies don’t convert the T4 to T3. There are several options for adding T3 either by adding T3 drug like Cytomel to your current T4 medication, or by doing a switch to natural desiccated thyroid. Speak with your doctor about the options. You may need to find a new doctor who will be open to exploring T3 treatment with you.

Thanks for such a quick reply, I have been to all the doctors in my surgery and also the nhs endocronologist, if the nhs are not willing to help me because they believe my thyroid numbers are within range then who am I going to see, I do have a good doctor who says that if a specialist is prepared to treat with t3 meds then he is willing to prescribe it but as he is not the specialist, he wont prescibe it until the endos say its ok, I could try and find a private thyroid specialist but even then I am still scared that my doctor wont prescribe me the drugs the private doctor wants me to have and I cant afford to pay for it all my self. I am not sure if my Doctor would prescribe any thing that a private doctor requires me to have, I dont know what the protocol is. I am so depressed about this I need it sorted now and no one is listening, I cant believe the nhs can be so cruel, they say they are specialist but surely if your body is deficient in such an important hormone then why arent they treating me.

Sam, Dana may have a list of Drs or you could look on other sites such as Thyroid UK. Many of these forum type sites keep a private list of Drs who may be helpful to you and sympathetic to the problems you describe.
I live in the UK and sufferered 30years of problems despite telling my Dr through that time that I was Hypothyroid. I am a nurse and midwife and had nursed people with the disorder. I also have a medical history conducive to Hypothyroidism such as Glandular Fever, Sheehan’s Syndrom, Tonsillectomy, Whiplash injury etc.,My mum, my dad, my nan, my maternal uncle my brother etc etc are all hypothyroid so there was a fair chance I would be too but my TSH didnt agree; or maybe that was the Drs interpretation?! We all know the problems associated with TSH only diagnosis; and I suffered from that. Do ask your Dr to do antibody testing and also FT4 and Ft3 and rT3; these will help demonstrate possibly that you need T3.
Anyhow, I did eventually find Dr Sarah Myhill and then laterly Dr Barry Durrant- Peatfield and Dr Gordon Skinner. Sadly all three of these Drs have sufferered at the hands of the GMC. I was though quite lucky in that my GP was quite supportive to an extent; sounds like yours is too. Having got me to see many specialists through the NHS who couldnt help but just tell me I had M.E, asthma etc, they gave me no treatment. My GP then agreed to write a letter of referral to Dr Myhill. she said but you dont have M.E, or asthma etc., you have Hypothyroidism. she prescribed NDT and support for adrenal function; as I also had adrenal fatigue.
I paid for private prescription from her but then asked my GP why, if I am Hypothyroid, should I be paying for my prescriptions? He agreed and I now get free prescription for ERFA Thyroid on the NHS. (Don’t be persuaded otherwise, it is possible.).
I later went with my daughter to see Dr Peatfield who suggested I had Hashimoto’s but alongside that I have a conversion problem and so added T3; which my Dr prescribed on the basis of Dr Peatfield being my specialist thyroid Dr. If your body isnt able to convert T4 to T3 you need to give it T3 instead of T4 that is pretty obvious; to us but not to Drs it seems!
My GP has written on my prescriptions and on my notes ; Patient aware of the problems associated with this treatment; but feels better on this treatment. This was both to cover himself and also because I dont want other GP’s changing my treatment.
I do feel much better; indeed I am a different person, almost like I used to be, but this is years down the line now. Take heart it can be sorted somehow you just have to be a little inventive. I am sure Dana can give you more information too. Sally

Sam, I hope to see the day when our family physicians all include full thyroid testing and are open to prescribing different thyroid medications. It is crazy that this isn’t the case. However there are doctors who do understand this and they are worth searching for. I know that many are not covered by health insurance but I know many do. So it’s important to do a search. I will post below several resources to help you find a doctor. Number one, call all the nearby pharmacies and ask them for the names of doctors who prescribe T3 drugs like Cytomel or natural desiccated thyroid brands like Armour or Nature-throid. These types of doctors are more likely to be open minded about thyroid treatment.

Doctors at my surgery DO prescribe t3 but I dont know how ill you have to be because even though my numbers are a clear enough indication that I need it they are still not happy to prescribe it, I dont understand, what the hell am I supposed to do and how low has my t3 got to go before they will, they wont test for rt3 for sure so thats not even worth asking for, I am going to have to find a private doc arent I but I dont know how much longer I can keep working for, I cant stop crying, I need an appointment asap otherwise I am going to lose my job I just want to dig a big hole and dive in, I am single with a teenager so I am the only bread winner so it is important that I get this sorted, I am so sorry to be a burden, what shall I do, I have made an appointment or Friday but I dont even know why I am going because my doc is still waiting for the endo to tell him what they have decided to do, whether to give more t4 or just leave it as it is, I am so angry at them my appointment was 6 weeks ago and I need this sorted, I have an awful feeling that they will be telling the doctor not to prescribe any more meds because I have received a new appointment for 6 months time so obviously if they were going to treat me, they would want to see me sooner, surely, I did try and contact Dr Skinner but you have to send him a letter then they write back to you and I am assuming they arrange an appointment, but I just assumed that if I keep making a pain of my self that the doctors would give in and all I do is keep booking appointments, and getting no answers, I am so sorry, I will go and have a look at the list, but I did try to find a Doctor in the area but I dont know if its the hypo or just me being thick but I couldnt even find that, I cant think straight, I am going to have a look now. Again I apologise for the garble.

Sam, It is very upsetting when doctors refuse to prescribe T3 medications even when a patient’s Free T3 levels are low. I hope to see the day when this changes. In the meantime, please take a look at the Thyroid UK link that I included in my previous response and contact them about their private list. I don’t know if they are all private doctors. Maybe not so it’s worth contacting them. Also, call all the pharmacies and compounding pharmacies in your area and ask for names of doctors who prescribe T3 drugs including natural desiccated thyroid. Here is Mary Shomon’s list of doctors for the UK.

Hi Sam, If Dana can give you my private email details I may be able to give you some private information which may help you in the short term. I have tweeted Dana giving her permission to pass on my private email address to you.
The T3 drug that is used in the UK is Liothyronine which just a different brand name than in the States. It is also in a slightly different dose of 20mcg tablets. As you may know NDT also contains T3 as well as T4 and T2 and T1 and calcitonin. NDT which is usually desiccated pigs thyroid, has various brand names too such as Armour, Dana mentioned and ERFA and so on. However, if you contact me privately via Dana I can give you some information to help you. I am in the UK in the west Midlands. Regards, Sally

It still astounds me to look at the list of symptoms. I could list more than one things from each category…and my GP and endocrinologist have been basically looking the other way all these years….. the most troubling for me, dryness (everywhere), hair loss (everywhere), the pressure on my throat, skin problems, muscles ache and stiffen after exercise (when I can), loss of appetite and the swelling of my eyes legs arms and hands. The mood changes are another issue. I am hoping in another week my new dose will start to help… the drastic reduction in my dose five weeks ago by my GP and endocrinologist is taking its toll. The only positive thing is my new grandson who was born on Sunday…unfortunately I can not pick him up! Also had to have my hair cut off today, dry and basically dead. Upsetting to say the least. Eye surgery next week to correct things after decompression surgery…wish me luck!!!
Marg

Marg, Congratulations on the birth of your grandson! Now you will get so thyroid healthy that you will be dancing with your grandson in your arms! It is shameful how little mainstream medicine knows about hypothyroidism. So many of us suffer with these symptoms needlessly. Best wishes to you.

i am always so tired i can hardley keep my eyes open no matter how much sleep i get. i blackout where i will get somewhere and have no memory of getting there. and my mood swings are un real. i always have migranes to

Hi;
This is for my daughter who recently had a severe weight loss and shows very black colouring under her eyes. She is 22 and has experienced many health issues in the past 5 years (kidney issues, mono twice, shingles, hiatl hernia). Her doctor has tested her for thyroid issues which have been mostly normal with fluctuation. Genetically, I take a thyroid supplement as mine is out of whack and her grandmother (my mother) has had both removed and takes meds for it and has for a long time. She cannot gain the weight back and is struggling with this. She does not have body image issues other than, now, after the last 3 months, all of her clothes literally fall off her. Her weight loss (she is 6′ tall normally 155 – 160 lbs) is now at 125 and she literally looks skeletal. Her doctor also put her on an anti-depressant which she has stopped taking as she insists at age 22, why would she need these and they make her feel odd. She has had a lot of stress in the past 6 months so I am sure this is a contributing factor but given her visual appearance, I believe there is also a physiological explanation and remedial treatment is needed and dire. She is returning to her doctor soon and I told her to have her thyroid tested. Could her current symptoms and past medical history (immune isuues) be explained through hypothyroidism unabated?

Gail,
wow, sounds like your daughter is experiencing what my older sister did. We have family history of Hyperthyroid, Hypothyroid, Lupus, and after experiencing very similar sounding symptoms as your daughter, my sister has found out that after already having Hypothyroidism she also has Celiacs which is of course another autoimmune disorder linked to your body’s autoimmune response to Gluten which damages the fine villi in your small intertine and nutirients from food intake are not absorbed by the body, leading to weight loss. I have read in many places that often times if you have one these autoimmune disorders you are likely to develop another. And as for the anti-depressants, I heard that one from my doctor as well…he thought I was depressed because I was tired all the time, muscle aches etc. etc. etc. I’m Hypothyroid and am getting tests done for Lupus. I wish doctors would stop pushing depression pills and start finding the underlying cause of a patients symptoms. I wish you all the best finding out answers for your daughter! Good luck!

Gail,
There are many possible health issues that could be the reason for your daughter’s symptoms. I am very sorry to hear all that she is going through. Absolutely given your family history of thyroid disease you should speak with her doctor about thyroid testing. Weight loss can come with hypothyroidism in some cases although many experience weight gain. We all present with different symptoms. Weight loss is also very common with hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid).

Given her doctor’s suggestion for anti-depressants, you should be sure to have her Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies tested for both Hashimoto’s and Graves.

Hi Jamie, When I read about the link with schizophrenia I wondered too. However now having been contacted by so many thyroid sufferers with very serious mental health symptoms that has landed them in mental health wards. It’s not so hard for me to imagine.

I felt so crazy, but after reading all these comments. I am very relieved. I am 49 years old, and starting to have all kinds of weird symptoms. I always had the energy of a Horse. I don’t anymore. I went for a physical, and I was told that I had hypothyroid. I had it after my son was born 14 years ago. I thought, not again. It was a horrible experience. Especially when your self-employed, full time Mom. I was given synthroid at 50. It didn’t even tickle my symptoms. I felt worse. I went back for a blood check and was told everything looks good. I explained I felt sick all the time. My voice is horse. I walk and feel like I’m one of the Giants from Valley of the Giants. It hurts when I walk. My whole body is sensitive. I went to whole foods here in California, and tried a Natural Thyroid Health. I felt great for the first month. My symptoms are back. I have gained 35 pounds. I can’t move my head quickly, or I will have a complete vertigo attack. I don’t understand how so many people are suffering. I can’t shake this feeling off. I was thinking of having my medication at 80. Is there hope? Please advise. It has been sometime now.
Thanks.

Hi Ingrid,
I am sorry all that you are going through. Absolutely speak with your doctor to investigate your thyroid condition more closely and request testing for Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. We all react differently to the different medications. For some of us we don’t convert the T4 in Synthroid to the T3 hormone our bodies need so we have symptoms despite our treatment due to low Free t3 levels. This may be your situation please speak with your doctor.

Hello mam,
I have just found this site. I am very happy that there are many peoples on this universe who are helping many lives. I am 29 yrs male from india. I am still bechlor. I was suffering from hypo thyroid from many years but unaware of it. 6 months back my sister suggested me to take thyroid test. I was aws shoched to see my thyroid report. My TSH was 292. Than I took medicine . I am taking 100 mg medicine but it is nit sufficent for me. I have manh queries . 1. How can I free from TAKING MEDICINE. 2. Is thyroid is cureable without medicine ? 3 . Does throid has a permanant treatment ? 4. Would I live healthy married life ? Means I am unmarried would it effect on my sperm or upcoming generations ? I need ur support and suggessions. I am very tensed and nervous. In india I and many people consuming chemical food and taking unhealthy diet and still unaware of it. Need more knowledge of thyroid and I will try to aware many people of my link and circle. I also want to improve many lives ! Regards Parampreet Singh

Hi Parampreet,
I am happy to have you here on Hypothyroid Mom from India. According to demographics, India is ranked the 5th highest number of readers on my blog. I am happy to have you all on my page. There is hope to live well despite your hypothyroidism. Your TSH of 292 is so high and I’m sure you must have struggled with many symptoms as a result. There are many things to consider. The first is to be sure to have full testing. Often times TSH is unfortunately the only test done for thyroid conditions but it does not give a complete picture of the issue. Full testing is needed. Here is a post from an internationally-known thyroid advocate with a list of tests to speak with your doctor about:

The second issue is that Levothyroxine drugs are the main drug prescribed for hypothyroidism. While these drugs work for some, for many of us they do not. For many of us our bodies don’t convert the T4 to the active T3 hormone our bodies need. Please speak with your doctor about the drug options to find what’s right for you.

I switched from Synthroid to desiccated thyroid about two years ago. While I have more of a general feeling of well-being, , the hypothyroid symptoms are back with a vengeance. First time around, I felt like I was dying. Heart symptoms, fatigue, cold to the core…..that one took about six months to go away….I sat on the deck in 100 degree weather, wrapped in a quilt, and shivering! I could not feel warm. New and different symptoms now, but about 3/4ths of the symptoms on your lists….in every area. Now it’s bright red toes, hot and numb and tingling, tingling fingers, huge weight gain – I have been a “skinny” all of my life – brain fog, I can’t accompany anyone to sing while I play the piano without a lot of mental errors. I have been a bookworm since early childhood. I cannot read more than one or two paragraphs at a time. My brain just turns off. Restless Leg Syndrome…….that has been a constant my entire life…….I know, I know, I have a doctor’s appointment, but honestly…unless one is dying…it is at least a six-week wait – sometimes longer – to just get an office visit! I have three weeks left, and I am just really wishing it could be tomorrow. I don’t know what I expect from you….I just needed to vent tonight. Tomorrow is Sunday. My dresses do not fit. My weight is going up and up again. I really needed to vent tonight. Thanks for listenening.

I am sorry all that’s happening to you. I know too well how hard it is to manage the symptoms of a thyroid condition. It is hard to explain unless someone has walked in our shoes. I wish you well with your doctor’s appointment. Learn all you can about this condition and be an advocate for yourself. Insist on full testing to fully understand the condition. It’s not enough to just have TSH tested. Here is an article by an internationally-known thyroid advocate with a list of tests that you should speak with your doctor about.

Thank you for sharing this information. I have been a very healthy person until about 2 1/2 years ago when I got really sick and ended up in the hospital for about 3 days due to extremely high liver enzymes and test after test came back normal I ended leaving the hospital without a diagnosis. Since then I started to go downhill with respiratory issues and extreme fatigue and all other kinds of symptoms and tried to explain to my doctor that whatever virus attacked my body that day caused my body to go downhill but my doctor did not this was related in anyway. I started seeing specialist after specialist and six months later I had my gall bladder taken out due to gallstones and daily pain. Symptom after symptom and a year later diagnosed with hypothyroid. I have so many symptoms from your list it is ridiculous and amazing because I got to the point where I thought I was just going crazy. Now I see that my symptoms really do exist. It is so hard to find a good doctor that will understand this illness. It is so hard on a daily basis to wake up get to work and take care of a family of 7 and feel so sick like this. No one really understands this unless they are going through this as well. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

It is very sad all that you’ve been through. It is challenging to say the least to manage with a chronic illness like hypothyroidism that takes away your energy and brings so many other health related illnesses and symptoms. You are right that unless someone has walked in our shoes there is no way for another person to understand. Learn all you can about this condition and be an advocate for yourself. Seek a second medical opinion. Here are few resources to help you find one.

Also try calling local pharmacies for the names of doctors that prescribe T3 medications such as Cytomel or natural desiccated thyroid like Nature-throid or Armour. Doctors who prescribe these medications tend to be more open minded in their views of treatment. Best of luck in your search.

I cannot believe that I have experienced so many of the symptoms. For years and years I have had many of these. I have had three doctors at different times do tests and said that I was borderline on the low side,but only one was willing to give thyroid medication. He has retired some years ago and I am not on any medication now, but the symptoms are getting worse. How do I find someone to help? Most of the day I am cold to the point of pain. Then usually in the late afternoon I break ou into a sweat all of the sudden, and the coldness gets better Not gone just not so much. I am now 62, and am just simply tired. Depression has been with me for about 8 years. I do take antidepressants, but being just “happy” escapes me. I know that this seems to be going in different directions, but I seem to be in different directions also. Just putting this into words is more difficult than I thought. It is not just in my “head.”

I think you and I are in the same boat(so to speak). I am on thyroid medication as a total replacement and require HRT for menopause symptoms. Every time I use estrogen I go into a hypothyroid state until it wears off. Since I had a hysterectomy most of the Dr.s say I do not need progesterone which would support my thyroid (I have done exhaustive research) My GP is just frustrated with me. I required a dose increase at least two years ago as my thyroid was being destroyed a little at a time with the radioactive iodine treatment but was told all of my symptoms were due to menopause not my thyroid. I now know this is not true. I do need estrogen but it interferes with my thyroid function rendering me useless to myself and everyone else. I have isolated myself as much as possible so that my moods and lack of energy does not impact my family and friends. I do live on my own so it is easier to stay away from people. My endocrinologist has ordered more tests, adrenal, iron etc. to see what is going on, but I have charted my reactions to the estrogen and it makes my symptoms worse as I become hypothyroid. Even getting up to make a meal is an effort right now. I know exactly how you feel. Antidepressants can also interfere with thyroid function. Do a search of the drug online and you may see that it is making things worse.
My thoughts are with you. Get your Dr. to run a complete thyroid panel and CBC’s, iron, B12 and see what is going on. Also maybe you should look into the side effects/interference of the antidepressants.

Here are several resources to help you find a doctor in your area. The other way to find a doctor is to call the local pharmacies and compounding pharmacies in your area and ask them for the names of doctors who prescribe T3 medications such as Cytomel and natural desiccated thyroid brands like Nature-throid and Armour. The doctors open to prescribing these medications tend to be more open minded in their treatment approach. Happy you found me at Hypothyroid Mom. Best of luck to you.

Wow I had a lot of these and googled them separately. Unfortunately nothing about thyroid showed up when I searched. Lots of misdirected info etc.

I have trouble talking with my throat being affected. It’s like i’m choked up, and it usually starts after lunch. I was also very cold all the time, and you could set your watch to the 2:30pm brick wall! Yawning and migraines in the afternoon, and waking up feeling hungover everyday.

Lucky a blood test confirmed me as hypo, otherwise life would’ve been average. Conditions are slowly improving for me.

Ugh I just recently was diagnosed with hashimotos diseases an I just turned 30. I went from being a 100% healthy. To having a lump in my throat. I went to the dr an they told me,” oh well I just checked your thyroid last year an it was fine”. So I asked to have it checked again. They did an it came back fine again!!! I was like I’m confused I’m in pain everyday an it just gets worse an worse an worse. Then I have a lot of the symptoms listed above I said I prob have had this thyroid problem over a year but since my bloodwork keeps coming back fine. I’m being overlooked. I told my regular dr listen something is wrong with me I’ve gained 70 lbs in a year I work in construction m-f and have another job at night on certain days I eat very healthy an rarely eat sweets, soda, chips, or carbs. I also work out like 4 days on my elliptical an my exersize bike. I should be constantly gaining unless its muscle an it’s not!! So she orderd me to see an endicartioligist an they did more blood work an an ultra sound an she said it hashimotos an prob thyroid. But I have to have a fine needle aspiration an a MRI done for the results for cancer. I just wanna feel normal again possibly not be soo overweight an just be comfortable. I feel like I’m like 80 instead of 30. Ugh. Oh n one am I was so soar from work an the disease that my hands were swollen in a fist an I couldn’t move my fingers. So scary what people with thyroid problems go thru. I wish everyone above a pain free future. GOD Bless.

It is very unfortunate the number of readers who have a very similar experiences as you. They have many very common thyroid symptoms yet their lab test comes back normal. The issue is that one test TSH is normally done to diagnose a thyroid condition but this one test does not give a complete picture of the problem. Be sure to have full testing including Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies (TPO-Ab, TgAb, TSI), adrenal cortisol levels, full iron panel including ferritin, sex hormones, vitamin B12, D3, magnesium, zinc, selenium.

Dana, so very glad I stumbled upon your site and blog. Usually when you search for hypo symptoms, the same 5-7 things show up.. So nice to actually read your list and “the long and pathetic…”, but then again not so nice scrolling through the lists and thinking, ok yeah check that one off too :-/ lol

I am 28 years old.. gave birth to my daughter when I was 26. It was then on my pregnancy panel that I was informed of high thyroid levels. My ob/gyn said this was probably just a fluke, tested me for it a few more times throughout my pregnancy, showing levels still elevated. I didn’t pay much attention or worry since he didn’t seem concerned.. busy life then with a new baby and working full-time, I put my pcp checkup on hold til after my child’s first bday. I did explain the thyroid issue to her once at my appt. Her only question to me was, do you feel tired a lot? Well of course, though again, I would prob blame that on being a new mom and keeping up with full time work. So she runs tsh, t3, t4.. I believe my first levels were at 16.34, so she called that day and said she had sent in levothyroxine 50mcg to start right away. A couple increase and decrease of my dosage and supposedly I was where I needed to be. Though I must say, I didn’t feel like how I thought I should.

I do work for our local hospital.. and one day out of curiosity, I logged myself into the portal to pull up my own health records. As far as I can pull up, dating back to around 10, my thyroid labs have shown elevated levels. Makes me wonder why my pediatrician was not the least bit alerted, why my Pcp or OB did not inquire about this.

Sadly, as of February of this year, my hours and some others here at my place of employment have cut back to part time, leaving me of course with no health insurance.. meaning no testing recently or refills on my levothyroxine, as I cannot afford currently to pay out of my pocket completely. So, again reading this list just really opens your eyes at how thyroid disease affects your entire body. And unfortunately, I don’t think anyone besides myself and the people on this blog fully understand that!

It’s very sad how little attention thyroid conditions received in mainstream medicine. There is so little awareness. I am so happy you have your daughter. I don’t know what your thyroid levels were during that pregnancy but high TSH is well known to cause pregnancy complications. This is why I am so persistent about building awareness. There are undiagnosed thyroid sufferers in the world pregnant yet they have no idea and their doctors have no idea their undiagnosed thyroid condition puts their child at risk. It is all very sad.

I am sorry to hear you have no health insurance. I worry about all my readers without health insurance. I pray that your employment situation changes so that you have the health insurance to get the best help possible. Best wishes to you.

Hello,
I’m glad I found this website. I have had hypothyroism since I was about 10 yrs old and I’m 31 now. Last year I wasn’t feeling to well and went to a natural doctor who started giving me progesterone cream to try and get me off of my thyroid meds and tons of detox stuff. I gotvoff bc i started getting hot flashes and rashes. Well it got me pretty bad bc I think it may have been improving my thyroid but was not so I became extremely hyper lost weight and could not even stand to long without being in pain or even drive or even eat…I saw an allergist bc i thought it was just that and found out i was all of the sudden allergic to wheat and egg whites???? this seemed insane and i stopped eating well for months bc i did not know what to eat. i had an ultra sound of my thyroid too and it appears normal however i was told i had a small thyroid yet i feel like balloon is inside and to make it even better it is going to my ears face and chin and have trouble swallowing sometimes and my tongue gets odd and feels like it numbs or swells sometimes and even affects the way i talk and tmj. i am usually hyper and active and then ended up with a thousand docs and had high Ana’s and lead me to the rheumatologist at 31 to see if I had an autoimmune thing and they said it was fibromyalgia? Beware of natural supplements too bc oddly I was on the wrong thyroid dosage but did not know I was that hyper and I took maca which is to help ur hormones and I recall that same week feeling this choking sensation which has not really stopped since then then i was recently given prilosec to see if that would take the choking and belching sensation away and it helped but didnt take it away. and i feel like my body is breaking down and i am cracking like crazy all over get get lousy pains and numbness in my arms and hands and other odd random sensations i cannot explain. …this is not a good feeling. Since December my thyroid med has been adjusted about 3 times and apparently everything looks normal but my tsh has gone from .136 to 6.2 to 2.74 and today’s bloodwork 3.75. My t3’s where off the last two times but I think they r better now. What did come out elevated was my tpo at i think 101 and it was 45 in december. The docs seem to not get to the route of all of this and they Blair anxiety but i have never felt like this in my life. what r the real guidelines for knowing where you tests should be bc the range is so broad? i feel desperate and want to get better….please any help.
Thank you and sorry for so much info.

Did your doctor discuss with you Hashimoto’s since you have high TPO-Ab? With Hashimoto’s people often swing up and down in TSH with hypo and hyper symptoms. The first step is that there are many potential underlying issues with Hashimoto’s that should be tested: sex hormones including testosterone, full iron panel including ferritin, adrenal testing (best test is a 24-hour saliva test for cortisol levels), vitamin D3, B12, magnesium, zinc, selenium, be sure to also ask for Free T4, Free T3, and Reverse T3.

Wow i totally thought i was on my own! I enjoyed reading all this information. I have had thyroid problems since i was 19, now 23, and have been in and out of hospital as the meds were not working. I was then told my glands were constantly swollen so increased meds, since then its been fine (as docs have said). However, i get sore throats all the time and it causes huge problems when i am taking time off work etc! I suffer from depression for a long time, anxiety and panic attacks badly. My weight is a huge issue. I was comfortably a size 12 before i was diagnosed but now 18/20. Its depressing and hard, i have recently been changing the way i eat and going to gym etc but keep getting ill. Its like my body is telling me to slow down but how can i? I work full time and study part time. My life cannot slow down! I just wish i had more knowledge and support from doctors. They said when i am at the right level the weight should come down….i am still waiting. Its horrible when i am young and trying to start my career etc. Can anyone please help, how can i stop getting ill?!?!

Just seen the newsletter to subscribe too….that is a most definite yes!

Be sure you’ve had your Free T3 and thyroid antibodies tested since mental health symptoms have been linked to low Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Also be sure to check out this post with a video from the Dr. Oz show “The Truth About Antidepressants”.

I have been having, hypothyroid problems since 2004. Ever since a purturity tumor was discovered, and treated. Since then all sorts of problems have popped up. Many health troubles. Hoshimoto’s disease, PCOS, insulant resistance, weight gain 10 kg’s in 12 months. Bone pain in my back, neck, shoulder, also a pain under my left breast, that has been their since oct 2012. Dr refuses to believe me. And won’t investigate it any further? Every day I feel as though I am getting a cold, a real run down feeling. The thyroid can not be adjusted properly. And when it is, it takes another dive. Dr questions if I am taking the dose correctly? I asked if he could just take it out? No. I feel with all these symptoms, that no one believes me, as to how I am feeling. I can not eat as much as I use to. I would say half. Dr asked if I have given up on myself? Almost. Just not hungry at all. Thank you for your information. Will give your info to him, and hope that he considers that all this is connected? I just feel he doesn’t believe me. I am sure he considers me an hypocondriac. Very helpful. thank you very much.
Can you come up with a diet to, maybe help correct these problems?

I am sorry to hear all that is happening to you. It is unfortunate how little attention our condition receives by the medical community. The first step is requesting the following tests. TSH is often the only test done but it doesn’t paint a full picture. Ask your doctor to test: Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies (TPO-Ab, TgAb, TSI), adrenal function, full iron panel including ferritin, sex hormones, vitamin B12, D3, magnesium, zinc and selenium.

Are you on thyroid medication? Levothyroxine drugs like Synthroid are commonly prescribed for Hypothyroidism but this drug doesn’t help all of us. If you are being treated, speak with your doctor about exploring drug options and this post includes factors to discuss with your doctor. Best of luck to you.

I’m getting do discouraged. In 2 months, my TSH went frim 69 to 98. My peridoxise (?) is 1000. I’m anemic too-hb 8.8. I can’t mske it through the day and I wake up feeling like my arms are bricks. I’m getting no compassion from my husband and kids. I feel so alone.

I am sorry to hear you are feeling so awful and that you don’t seem to be getting support from your family. It is often difficult for people to understand we can be seriously ill and not be in a wheelchair or hospital and further without the understanding and support of our doctors even. However, you have found this site where there is a great deal of information and other people who suffer the same as you do. There are plenty of similar sites around too.
You didnt make it clear as to whether you are intouch with your doctor and what they are doing about your hypothyroidism. What age are you Sue, is this happening around the time of your menopause? If you can provide us more information there may be people on here who can be more helpful to you.
Firstly in my opinion, you need a Doctor to prescribe you thyroid hormone supplement. Further you must sort out your anaemia as both low iron and high iron levels will prevent thyroid hormone working efficiently in your cells.
If you have read Dana’s list of symptoms of hypothyroidism you probably feel as though you have them all and its very possible you do. So take heart you CAN and you WILL feel better you just have to get more thyroid hormone into your body. If you can let us know more detail perhaps someone on here can offer you some more information. Sally

Sue,
I am very sorry this is happening to you. Our condition is called an invisible illness because to other people we look fine on the outside but we suffer symptoms that no one not even our friends and family can imagine. Please know you are not alone. There are millions of us with this condition. Now your TSH at 98 even 69 is too high and you need to contact your doctor to lower your TSH. I assume by peroxidase, do you mean Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO-Ab). If so then a high score means you should discuss Hashimoto’s with your doctor. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition that is considered the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the US. Here is an article on this topic.

It is good to hear from you. I assume you read this article and suffer from many of the symptoms. If so, then the first step is to be sure to have full thyroid testing done. Stop The Thyroid Madness includes a great article with a list of the recommended lab work.

You will see from this list that there are many potential underlying issues including vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. It is common for thyroid sufferers to be deficient in these nutrients and this is one easy way to discover vitamin deficiencies and to treat with vitamins to which you are lacking.

The issue is that mainstream medicine relies on one test TSH to diagnose but this one test does not paint a complete picture so insist on full testing.

There are thyroid hormone replacement medications in case you find you do in fact suffer from hypothyroidism. Here is an article that gives you an overview of the drug types and what factors to discuss with your doctor.

Hi, I have been treated for hypothyroid….Doctor said my blood was fine and to stop treatment….Now, I have a new slew of symptoms…and also, no more health insurance!!!So, now I cannot have blood tests…or doctor visits…and am suicidally depressed…..where can I go for help??(if anywhere)… I live in Arizona. Thankyou so much.I have no website…except Aol????

Oh Dory, Your message worries me so much. Are you okay Dory? I feel so terrible for readers with no health insurance. How a country fails to protect its people’s health is beyond me and I could go on and on about this. Dory, go to the local hospital ER with the complaint of depression and your situation and tell them you have an untreated thyroid condition and you need testing. It may be your thyroid condition that is causing or contributing to these feelings. Please seek help today. I wish that I knew someone in Arizona personally that I could call. I will list resources below to help you find a doctor. Please call all the doctors in your area with your situation on these lists. Also call the local pharmacies and ask for the names of doctors that prescribe T3 medications and natural desiccated thyroid brands like Armour and Nature-throid. These types of doctors tend to be more open-minded about thyroid treatment. If you have trouble doing the calling yourself ask a trusted friend or family member to help you go through these lists and call the doctors for you. Be sure to have your Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies tested at a minimum. You will be in my prayers Dory. Dory, there is light at the end of the tunnel. If this is thyroid related, treatment will help you be better. Don’t lose hope. Dory, at the bottom I’ve listed the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Call them right now and tell them your symptoms and your untreated thyroid condition and ask them for help to locate a doctor for you.

Hi.
I am a 54 year woman considering weight loss surgery. But while I have been researching the procedure, I began to think that something might be going on. A Google search led me here. While I will not go into all of my symptoms right now, I am going to list my actual diagnosis. It is important to note that I have diabetes and am treating it with Metformin. A lot of the symptoms I have could be the diabetes but they could also be caused by something else.

When your instincts tell you something is wrong, fight to have your doctor investigate further or find a doctor who will help you. Your symptoms could all be thyroid related but of course they could also be due to other health issues. However seek a full thyroid evaluation prior to deciding on weight loss surgery. I say this because the thyroid controls our metabolism so if our thyroid is producing too little hormone then it’s highly likely that we will struggle with weight issues. Interestingly I wrote an article at Hypothyroid Mom about the link between hypothyroidism and diabetes.

Four years ago I started having terrible muscle spams. I went to the doctor so many times to be told nothing was wrong. I then felt like my skin was on fire and broke out in a rash, a horrible rash and have had spah infection from the rash so many times I can no longer count. I asked to be referred to a endocrinologist. I went to see him he was asking me what I needed to be put on and if I wanted natural medication. He put me on it and for the first time in four years I could flex my feet or legs without going into spasms. He put me on a dose to high and it also wasn’t working on my thyroid it was way off. So he out me on natural and synthroid. I started breaking out, tired, muscle aches, My eyes itch and my skin crawls. My thinking is totally foggy and I can’t remember anything. 40 lbs of weight gain inspite of walking and running ten miles a day. I went back to the endocrinologist today. I asked him if I could be allergic to synthroid. I gave him my list today and he was totally indifferent. When I asked him if I could be allergic he totally ignored me. I asked him to out me on another medication today he did do that. I have absolutely no idea of what it is. I also had a appointment with a dermatologist today. Because of my skin problems. After giving him a list of my health problems. The first thing he said to me was your allergic to something your taking. I will be on a antibiotic for 6 months. He said it was from the breakout on my head which is a allergic reaction. The staph is caused from a allergic reaction and the muscle aches and everything else. That I am not a staph carrier and that I needed to change my medication. I could have kissed him on the lips. I have changed the dermatologist because the last one was also unconcerned. I hate being a whiner. I hate changing doctors. I have tried to get help so that I feel better. Changing the dermatologist helped so much now how do I change the endocrinologist? You need a doctors referral how do I get it? I am hoping the new medication works.

So happy you insisted on getting help. Now yes you need a second medical opinion for your thyroid condition. Yes you can be allergic to the fillers/binding agents in the different thyroid medications, the dosage could be off, you could have other related issues such as adrenal or iron issues, you could have low or high Free T3 or Reverse T3 issues or thyroid antibodies. So yes absolutely seek a second medical opinion.

Two days before I consult the doctor for my wife ,he told me the test for thyroid and according to test reports my wife suffers with hypothyroidism, and doctor suggest her to take pills of 50mg on daily basis for life long. I had read all the symptoms mention above but i did not see any one of them into her. we are planning for a baby .so i want to know that is that problem go with her lifelong or it is curable permanently? will she suffer with any kind of problem to get pregnant.

Often times we have to take our thyroid medication life-long although some people do get better with dietary and vitamin changes and go off medication but for the most part we have a lifelong condition.

The American Thyroid Association issues guidelines for pregnancy so be sure to bring a copy of the guidelines to your wife’s doctor so they have the information they need to ensure a safe pregnancy. The key is being as thyroid healthy as possible before conceiving. How is she feeling now?

I’m 20 years old and as I go through this list, minus the things about pregnancy, I have about 50% of the symptoms. I’ve always been sick with random things, from varicose veins to depression to even possible MS symptoms, and seem to be getting worse as the years go on. This article sheds a bit of light on my situation. However, I’m unsure of what to do next. Any tips for this sickly college student?

Hi Madison,Im from the UK so cant help with advising about health care but what I can say is your symptoms will grow worse and the list ever longer until such time that numerous different diagnosis are given when its likely all you need is more thyroid hormone. Get your blood tested a full thyroid blood panel and iron levels etc too, Dana has information about this in her replies above. Further get a good Dr who will either listen to you and act on your instruction or has greater ‘good’ knowledge of hypothyroidism than you do. Educate yourself on this subject this is very important.
You need to get more thyroid hormone into your body. Further you will need to support your adrenal glands too; I’ve explained how to on this page previously.
You can and will feel better once you start to provide your body with thyroid hormone. There are other things to do but I dont want to complicate things further. Do though look at your lifestyle and eating habits, are you eating healthy food? .

Sorry I should also have included taking your basal temperature each morning for five days; if the temperature is persistently low it is indicative of low thyroid function, this may or may not be supported by the blood tests. Whatever you do get a full thyroid blood panel as the TSH test alone cannot always diagnose those with hypothyroidism. Best of luck.

Hello everyone I am 20 years old I am hypothyroid at first I was hyper then I had radiation. Now I am thinking I have Lupus. I am a full time college student I recently was laid off from my job due to downsizing the office in IT. I am VERY Stressed in my life right now my thyroid levels have not been checked in over 8 months and I am running out of pills have about 10 left today. and I never sleep I am up constantly through the night. My face breaks out terribly now ache on my chest my legs and I also have unexplained rashes and I am always on edge I do not have health insurance so I am paranoid about my symptoms I am not sure If I have lupus of not I have chronic hives that burn a lot if I dont put lotion on during the day my skin burns when I take hot showers I have to wash in warm water. and I have a rash on my back now which is not itchy but brownish sort of red color that never goes away. and I have very tense muscles in my neck and I barley sleep at all I have thrush since August 2011 I had a HIV test February 2012 that was not the case the test was negative. I am worried now IDK what is wrong with my body I have swollen glands every where I feel them in my legs which are also swollen all day everyday. and I have periodontal disease also found that out in January. my hands swell all day my legs are hurting when I walk I cannot walk long without getting tired and my legs feel like giving out on me. I also have foggy cloudy like brain when I wake up every day I have to sit in bed until I get energy to get out of the bed. my feet on the bottom are purple a lot and I don’t know why I get numbness in my feet a lot tingling in my legs a lot and dry skin that bruise easily. I have a tight band feeling around my neck and my head all day.
My wrist hurt when I write or type a long time they also give out on me. I am in so much pain trying to work out in the gym I just stopped. I keep getting denied for medicaid in my state (GA) they keep telling me I have to be pregnant to get help and I appeal 4 times with several deny I do not know what to do I just need insight on could it be lupus or my levels just off this bad? I keep going to the doctor paying what I can out of pocket but I cant get everything I need done and now I am choosing between rent and living expenses and going to the doctor I am depress now I am trying to pray stay strong and believe in God I know he has better days for me but I am very on edge my health scares me so much and drives me crazy I seclude myself I dont go out anymore I dont even feel need to comb my hair because it falls out so bad and it so dry but I brush it up anyway. I am just looking for some sort of insight nobody in my family understands me and what I go through to live everyday I attend college 2 and a half hours away from home and I am trying my best to maintain because nothing is home for me either I have myself here. I try to pep myself up with positive everyday is another challenge feeling like this. I am just trying to focus on school and find another job to make my ends I just please need advice on what to think or do? Lupus? maybe? Carpal tunnel? I am not sure why I feel like crap everyday and these skin rashes really scare me a lot.

Your thyroid health issues sound so similar (I could have written the same thing). Right now I now my level is too high…do not sleep. Frequent urination and bowels…dehydrating as my mouth is so dry that my gums are receding. Are you on any other medication that could be interfering with your thyroid meds? I have just gone through a significant dose increase which is too much for me and prescribed hormone replacements which do impact thyroid receptors just like antidepressants and additional iron.. Maybe you should go to the local hospital and tell them you need a complete thyroid panel done. I had the skin rashes and hives too when I was hypothyroid as well as cysts. It takes skin and hair several months to recover (I asked my dermatologist). Hope you find the help you need.
Marg

Hi Marg, The poor sleep is usually due to low adrenal function – causing low blood sugar too. Your adrenals produce Cortisol DHEA and the usual pattern of production and release into the blood stream is altered. The disruption of thyroid and adrenal function impacts on Melatonin/seratonin and also hypoglycaemia. Frequent urination and dry mouth is also part of hypothyroidism and is likely due to dyruption in the function of your pituitary gland, this can cuase Diabetes Insipidus; this is very different to Diabetes Mellitis.
When increasing your thyroid hormone supplement dose you should do this in small doses over time so leaving a minimum of three to six weeks between increases. If your dose increase is too much cut back and delay a further increase giving your body time to get used to its current dose, then increase a smaller dose and see if your body is tolerant of that.
It is worth delaying taking any hormone supplements both in tablet, injection of cutenously; often hormone imbalance is due both to low thyroikd and low adrenal function, get them well supported and its likely you wont need additional hormones. Iron levels need to be within normal range since too high or too low prevents the body being able to utilize thyroid hormone properly.

Thanks for the info. My endo has ordered cortisol test again (it has always been fine). Since I signed in the last time I got all of my anti body test results, all negative including TSI. I saw my eye surgeon yesterday he read the reports and told me I do not have Graves, am over medicated (swelling) and agreed with the dose reduction to .1 He also confirmed what I had found out that the radioactive iodine treatments (one without prednisone) impacted my eyes and being kept hyper for so many years after my hysterectomy. The muscle problems which sent me to the Dr. in the first place are related to thyroid (high) upper leg weakness is putting too much strain on my groin muscles (confirmed by my physiotherapist). I have to use half a transdermal estrogen patch for now to help block some of my thyroid level and take Ativan to help with the anxiety/panic attacks which I never had when I went hypo. a few months after my last radioactive iodine treatment. My eye surgeon also told me that 1 in 20 people are impacted by high levels of thyroid meds (eye problems) and not Graves. Whew!!! I know the cause not the healing.

Shawnie, I cannot help with advice about medicare or the American health system since I live in the UK; others may help you with that. However, what I can say to you is that you urgently need to get more thyroid hormone. I doubt you have Lupus you obviously do though have hypothyroidism due to the treatment for Hyperthyroidism.
First things first you must treat your thrush since that is a yeast infection which will cause you problems it will also affect the way your thyroid hormone supplement is utilised or not utilized in your body.
Find a way of getting a Dr to give you a good supply of thyroid hormone. You cannot function without thyroid hormone. The symptoms related to depression and inability to concentrate etc., are all due to low thyroid hormone. Whatever you do, do not get pregnant right now, it would be a disaster for you but also for your unborn baby and would likely end in miscarriage anyhow, (I surmise that isnt your intention).
Your swollen legs are due to hypothyroidism and the numbness too. The sewlling in your legs is causing pressure on your nerves, so you get numbness and tingling etc. All of these symptoms will pass once you get adequate thyroid hormone and support your adrenals and treat your thrush/yeast infection. You cannot do one of these things you have to do them all to find effective treatment. However, doing one of the things I suggest will obviously help you somewhat. Best of luck. I hope someone else can talk you through health care in USA.
Acne and so on is likely due to adrenal and hormone imbalance. You need to support your adrenal glands. This can be done mainly with herbs, vitamins and minerals it may require hormones and steroids such as Hydrocortisone but generally can be sorted without that. I hav written what is needed to support your adrenal glands somewhere above; on this page. This imbalance will also affect the way you feel causing mood swings, poor sleep, etc.

Please have your hypothyroidism checked more closely. Many of your symptoms sound like hypothyroidism. Of course there may be other medical conditions causing them but be sure to have your thyroid fully checked. I’ve had many of your symptoms when I was inadequately treated for my thyroid condition. If you suspect Lupus mention this to your doctor too. I don’t know enough about Lupus to say.

I have had crazy similar symptoms as many people have mentioned on this site… I finally went to Dr and said my thyroid is fine….but i dont believe it after reading all these stories…all my problems started after I had my 3rd child…i was in bed sick…flu like body aches and fever..i reallythought i was going to die…no other real symptoms…I went to Dr. he said my liver enzymes were really high…same thing happened after I had my 4th child..now i am having crazy allergy symptoms…seasonal and food….chronic yeast infections, bladder problems, hair loss, severe problems withmy eyes….i constantly feel like i have the flu….sneezing, wheezing and terribly achy all over..oh yes, i forgot to mention my mother has RA….several of my cousins have a number of autoimmune diseases…: TYPE 1 DIABETES and lupus… I just want to feel better since i am a mother of 4…I need to be able to take care of my family….any advice?

Dawn, firstly you must treat your yeast infection. That requires a diet change and to take antifungal foods such as coconut oil and garlic etc. Also I use a product off the net called LUFENURON it is used predominantly for primates and mammals but is very effective. Educate yourself about these matters. You sound as though your adrenals need a great deal of support that is why you are suffering allergies; look up Adrenal Fatigue. I have put information on this page if you look at some of my replies. It is mainly a treatment with herbs, vitamins and minerals. This will improve.
Then lastly your thyroid. Check your basal temperature as mentioned, get a full thyroid, iron, hormonal and electrolyte blood panel, Dana has given detailed information about this.
Whilst treating your yeast infection and low adrenal function, get treatment for your low thyroid problem.
If you can afford to get a 4x diurnal salivary test for adrenals that is helpful in telling whether besides the vits minerals and herbs whether you need additional DHEA or Cortisol too. Drs test for adrenal function is too wide ranging and will only detect if your adrenals are extremely over functioning or not at all (in which case you’d die pretty soon,) they dont test adequately for anything either side of normal without being so extreme. so the spit test is good for that. Best of luck.

Please push for thyroid testing. Your symptoms all sound so similar to hypothyroidism. TSH is the only test that’s often done but you must push for full testing. Given your mother’s RA and your family history of autoimmune disease, be sure you’ve had your thyroid antibodies tested for Hashimoto’s, a common thyroid autoimmune condition.

Maybe I missed it, but what about frequent U.T.I’s, anyone suffer from those? Because I was tested so frequently looking for my “mysterious illness” I always without fail, found to have a U.T.I.
I never suffered any bothersome symptoms, but I had it.

Hi Nicole,
Yes frequent UTI’s are very much a symptom of hypothyroidism. Indeed frequent infections of any sort. Your mystery illness is most likely to be hypothyriodsms; it is call THE GREAT PRETENDER because of its symptoms, which appear like many other disorders. Take your basal morning temperature, pulse and take your blood pressure if you have a sphygomanometer available to use. Record this for at least five mornings. If persistently low temperatures are recorded it is most likely a confirmation of hypothyroidism. Then get treatment.

Hypothyroidism sufferers are vulnerable to infections all types of infections including UTI’s. Oh I’ve suffered over 10 years with chronic UTI’s. Absolutely anyone with recurring infections of any sort should have their thyroid checked. I’ve recently gone a long stretch with no UTI’s thanks to D-Mannose.

I have had so many issues over the years, and I think doctors are just now discovering that a stupid little underactive thyroid is the culprit of all the issues. My Endocrinologist is actually handing me off to a Rheumatologist this week.

I’ve had ‘female issues’ my whole life, was previously diagnosed a pituitary microadenoma, PCOS, and Hashimotos last year. All has been well, until last month. I suddenly developed rediculous hives. 4 specialists later, it’s looking auto immune related. I’ve also started having erratic heart rate, dizziness, and tremors. I’ve gottent o the point where I’ve completely changed my diet to natural foods only.

I read on your blog that you are changing your diet and eliminating gluten. It’s amazing the link between gluten and Hashimoto’s. When you have one autoimmune condition you are more likely to develop others so it’s important to be sure you’ve had comprehensive testing to test all the potential underlying issues.

New to all this thyroid stuff went to my first endoconligst last week spent five mins with him he basicly said “your tyriod is killing it self” and said they could up my levothroxinene to 100 mcg from 88 other then that I didn’t get any answers they did check my adrenal glands came back normal but have high white count is that norMal with hypo guess a little background back in July the 29th will never forget that date became ill after walking my dog dizzy at first I thought I just bent down to quick to take off his collar but the next day my body felt heavy and out of sort hard time speaking called my doc got an appointment where she then sent me straight to the ER thinking I had a Tia “form of stroke” bunch of test EKG brain scan etc told to take an aspirin a day and follow up with my doc sat felt better Sunday back in ER again follow up with doc and nurogist found no evidence it was a Tia still sick was though now thought to have ananplasmos a tick disease high Antibiocs test comes back neg for this by oct they finally tested my thyroid and said I was hypo think my num was 6.25 started on levothroxinene 25mcg now up ton88 mcg and still having issues and developing new ones by the day last night woke up feeling like I was drowning and choking with a burning sensation in my throat my pulse rate is crazy been as high as 160 at rest and now since the begging of march seem to have a non stop menstral which I thought symptoms would go away with upping my dosage but keep adding new ones I have no insurance so not sure what my next step is but Fter reading this site thinking I might have had some stmptoms through out the years miss carriage being one so after all this rambling I have to questions where should info next and ideas peoe have on how to releave of at least deal with issues like fast pulse rate the ought burning and upper muscle pain what has worked for others feel like I’m at the knot at the end of the rope and ready to give up its been 10 months of hell

Your doctor said “your thyroid is killing itself” did he diagnose you with Hashimoto’s, a thyroid autoimmune condition? Were your thyroid antibodies tested? Contact that doctor for a copy of your lab results and feel free to share them with me.

I think I have finally sorted things out. My thyroid dose needed to be increased but the estrogen I was prescribed blocked the receptors which made me experience hypo symptoms. Now my thoughts have come to a realization, my dose is too high as anxiety issues have increased which sets off bowel frequency. Mal absorption of my medication is giving me the severe hypo symptoms…If I adjust down and take an anti anxiety medication for a few days I should be feeling the full effect of the dose I need.
Marg

Swelling is a very common problem for hypothyroidism sufferers. Of course there may be other reasons for your swelling. Be sure to speak with your doctor about this. What medication are you on for hypothyroidism? Have had testing for Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies? If not please ask your doctor about these tests.

Swelling is a very common problem for hypothyroidism sufferers. Of course there may be other reasons for your swelling. Be sure to speak with your doctor about this. What medication are you on for hypothyroidism? Have had testing for Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies? If not please ask your doctor about these tests.

Hi- I suspect I have hypothyroidism. I feel like I have symptoms of both but lean toward hypo. I was told my blood sugar is slightly high, same with blood pressure and cholesterol. Is this possible with hypo? I have just about every other symptom of hypo. Please help…they say I’m non-diabetic but have peripheral neuropathy.

I have readers on my Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page with a thyroid autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s who also have peripheral neuropathy. When you have one autoimmune condition you are more vulnerable to develop others. So be sure your testing including thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s, in addition to TSH, Free T4, Free T3, adrenals, ferritin and D3 at a minimum.

Thanks a lot Dana Trentini, it’s such a relieve to understand what’s wrong with me. We’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year now, I had a miscarriage in February after 8 months of actively trying which cause me more pain and sadness. At first, the physician was not overwhelmed with that; “it’s only 1 miscarriage you know…”…. Well… it seems that my TSH is 3,3 and for her, it’s perfectly fine since it’s not the critical 4,5 stated in many medical literature. However, what I found on several new released medical reviews is that for a woman to get and maintain pregnant, you must be between ideally 1 and 2…. Well, guess what; I had to argue with my endo in order to get the Synthroid I really think I need. She replied: “Well ok, I mean, since you want to get pregnant”…. I was almost out of control… I was seeking help at a private fertility clinic, what do you think? Of course it’s what I’m looking for, and if there’s a slightly chance it’s disabling me to get pregnant, or to suffer of miscarriage (which my mother had twice before me and that I just experienced), or to get pre-eclampsia (which my mother had during her pregnancy of me), or to get a placenta abruption (which my mother had for my sister… at 26 weeks pregnancy, thank god she’s alive but really premature)….I want to give it a try in lowing this TSH!

You know when you’re thinking that all physicians are able to figure this out, thinking out of the box, getting a bigger picture… I find it really awkward that, I, as a patient, need to overlook diagnosis to insure my health… And, of course, I find it really nice of you to point out the illness in this blog. Now I don’t feel stupid or crazy or alone in the universe. I know now, there’s a reason (even if the endo stated me that she doubts it will change anything… I was “yeah yeah right”).

I am sorry for the loss of your baby. I am so happy you have taken charge of your health and that you are learning all you can about the impact of hypothyroidism on pregnancy. I applaud you. There is hope to have beautiful healthy babies but you must be as thyroid healthy as possible prior to conceiving. The American Thyroid Association issued pregnancy guidelines in 2011 recommending a TSH of less than 2.5 for women trying to conceive and in the first trimester of pregnancy. Here is a post of things to consider. Also, given your mother’s challenges with miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and placenta abruption she should also have her thyroid checked. TSH alone is not enough to give a full picture of thyroid health. I’ve also attached an article that emphasizes testing for Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies in addition to TSH. Best wishes to you!

I really never thought of these symptoms, when I was close to turning 15 & up to now (16) I’ve had bad period problems (they can’t figure out why), randomly losing hair & super thin, I even managed to go from 100-132 without changing my eating habits in a whole year….I started exercising and now I’m down to 117.5 but it seems like the littlest thing makes me gain weight, my nails have been yellow for a while now & keep having chronic constipation…and chronic sinus infections since I was little & suddenly a major loss of appetiteNone of the doctors ever brought up a hypothyroid test, they’ve always said something along the lines of she’s not sick or has no infection so we think shes making it up to miss school, I also have a MAJOR intolerance to weather below 60 degrees, it’s like I get so cold I start to feel pain on throat and cheeks & I do get spasms of my eyelids…should I write these down and discuss it with my doctor?

I had many of your symptoms growing up and I believe I had an undiagnosed thyroid condition all along. It would be worth it to get your thyroid tested to be sure. Be sure that they test not just TSH but also Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenals, ferritin and D3 at a minimum.

My boyfriend just left me because im making funny faces, clenching my teeth, blinking allot and sleeping very little I started taking Adderall a couple weeks ago and he thinks the pills are making me high.
I told him that I feel like I have a lump in my throat its hard to swallow my vision is blurry the suns to bright I cant stop clamping my jaw im constipated I have had hives 5 mos. my skin is dry and broke out and there is still more.
But he thinks im just making excuses I guess we will see next week when I have blood drawn for thyroid checks and an ultrasound of my throat.

I am sorry all that’s happened to you. Please encourage your boyfriend to read this post so that he knows your symptoms may very well be related to a thyroid condition. Please go get full testing. Here is an article that gives you the basics of what you need to speak with your doctor to have tested.

I,ve just been diagnosed with pcos and hypothyroidism. Apparently I’ve had pcos since I was a little girl due to my irregular menstrual cycles. I would cycle twice or three times a year. I was always told by doctors that this is just normal for some people. As far back as I can remember I’ve dealt with extreme fatigue and mood swings. It’s always been hard for me to loose weight,although when I was young I was very active,so it was less noticeable. It was shortly after having my second child(almost 7 yrs ago)that I started to have many weird symptoms. I’ve been plagued with acne(When I didn’t have acne before), Panic attacks,chronic fatigue syndrome,thinning hairline, obesity and inability to loose weight(i’ve never been obese before and I dont eat large amounts of food or junk food),dandruff,brittle nails,heel spurs,dizziness, fainting spells, yeast infections and many other things not listed. In short, I just don’t feel well most of the time. I’m always told by my husband that I exaggerate about being ill. It’s very hard to always feel different and not have ppl understand. I’ve been to a few doctors who told me my thyroid levels were normal. When I went to an endo, I found out I was boarder-line hypo. I suppose that even just a little abnormality can make one feel lousy. I’ve been on 25mg of synthroid with loestrin(to level my high androgen) for less than 2 months. I’m praying that something works….SO FRUSTRATED, yet not alone.

I am happy you are here on my site to know you are not alone. Thyroid hormone levels are critical for every cell of the body so imagine what low thyroid, even a little low thyroid, can do to our bodies. I wish you well on Synthroid. Some people do great on Synthroid and others do not. We are all different in terms of which thyroid treatment is right for us. So if your current treatment doesn’t help please speak with your doctor about it. Here is a post on this topic.

I too have most of these symptoms and blood test come back normal.. I also have a goiter and an enlarged thyroid but the endo just wants me to come back to “monitor” it. Please give me a break… My grandmother started going to a chiropractor and he has a nutrionalist that comes in and speaks. She talked to him and he told her that her issues are her thyroid and gave her some supplements. She feels better and has started losing weight. I went online and ordered some as well as talking to a chiropractor he says that most of the problem begins with the adrenal glands. So along with what my grandmother is taking I also bought supplements for the adrenal glands and I did the iodine test as well and bought food grade iodine. I have always been a pretty healthy eater but like everyone I have my moments.. But since I started these supplements I have felt so much better.. I started the adrenal gland and iodine supplements on Friday 5/24/2013 and the thyroid supplement 5/28/2013. I also read that you could be low in selenium. I have bought it all and I feel more like myself than I have in years.. I will continue to purchase these supplements. The supplements that I bought were Thytrophin PMG (made out of cow thyroid), Drenamin (for adrenal glands) selenium, and food grade iodine. There is also a supplement for the pituitary gland and it is called Pituitrophin PMG, although I have not purchased this one as I want to see how I feel with the ones that I have bought first. I am by no means a dr but I am tired of feeling crappy and tired of the mainstream drs telling me everything is fine.. The alternative drs (chiropractors) want between 4000 and 7000 dollars to get started (that is all test and learning material, support, ect). So for a little over a hundred dollars I am feeling better and so far this is the best 100 dollars that I have ever spent… I hope this helps anyone that is tired of feeling crappy..

I’m happy you are feeling well. Your thyroid support product contains cow thyroid which is basically providing your body with thyroid hormones that we would be in a prescription. That’s great the issue is that you should be under doctor supervision because there is also the danger of taking too much thyroid hormone and developing hyperthyroid symptoms so go into your family doctor and ask for your TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenals, ferritin and D3 checked at a minimum. In particular you should have your thyroid antibodies checked because goiters can occur in hashimoto’s.

Hello,
I have been reading over the symptoms and I am very upset to find that I have complained for many years of various different symptoms at various different times to different doctors and none of them have come up with this. A long time ago I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and was told it was a life time condition, later the doctors took me off my medication and told me it had cleared up and I no longer needed it. Since then I have had, IBS, high blood pressure, blood test on my liver always come back high but they say ‘it’s just the way I am’, a misscarrage, migranes, horrendous body aches and pains which they blame on my ‘hypermobility syndrome’, I have bad breath but my dentist says my teeth are perfect, I have recently developed regular ingrowing toenails, I am constantly dizzy now, putting weight on, I only have 5 days off my period at a time and no matter how much my doctor changes my pill to control it, it doesn’t change, I am soo tired that sometimes I wonder if I can even be bothered to lift my fork to my mouth to feed myself, I feel very low at times and don’t know why, I start to talk about something and forget what I was going to say, I have a weird fizzy sensation in my ears when I drink cold fizzy drinks (not sure if that one can be related as I haven’t seen it anywhere else).There are probably many more but I forget so easily. I have managed to get a blood test this week for my thyroid so I am awaiting the results, however, I am scared about this as it seems many peoples results come back ok and have no answer, I have lived with this for years now and I don’t know how they can expect people to live in so much discomfort and pain. It is at its worst at the moment, does this sound familiar to anyone? Please help.

Yes I saw the duplicate comments and deleted the others. I’m sorry all that’s happened to you. Your symptoms sound like they could be thyroid related and I am happy you went for testing. Of course they may be due to some other health condition so important to ask your doctor what he/she thinks should be tested too. Let me know how your results turn out and best of luck!

Hi, first off you and this site both rock!! The first real site I’ve found.. I am the opposite I have Graves Disease. I was just treated with RAI. I am post one week. I feel great. Finally no shortness do breath.. My concern is I’m a women women. And I work out about 90 minutes a day. My Dr who has a crummy bedside manner, but is beyond thorough told me I was going to ” pack on the pounds”. Once I go hypo? Is this true? I am so freaked out. I have friends who are hypo and look fantastic and fit.. Please I beg for some answered.

Thank you so much! So happy to have you on my site. Happy you are doing well post-RAI. The thyroid gland controls our metabolism so it’s possible for weight gain to become an issue for you as opposed to when you were hyperthyroid. However there is hope to be fit and well with hypothyroidism. It’s about being sure you are being treated optimally. I gained weight with my diagnosis however by doing complete testing including Free T3 and getting on the right treatment (in my case my Free T3 levels were low and I benefited from adding T3 medication to my treatment so be sure to have your Free T3 tested) I managed to lose weight. Then going gluten free helped me get back to my old size along with regular exercise. First step be sure you’ve had full testing. Thyroid advocate Janie Bowthorpe’s article attached here has the recommended lab work.

This list made so much sense to me! I was I diagnosed for years with Hashimoto’s. I had mensstraul irregularities, my gallbladder had to be removed, adrenal and hormonal imbalances, IBS, and eventually was sleeping 16hrs a day and STILL having no energy! My TSH labs were always “normal” (I think TSH of 5 is way too high and that 3 or even 2.5 should be considered abnormal! Ok off my soapbox). My doctor kept telling me I was depressed even though I assured her I was not. Eventually I demanded a full thyroid panel and came out with the antibodies and a honking goiter I had no idea I had (I thought I just had chronic sore throats!). I found a doctor who specializes in this and goes off of not just labs but symptoms and I swear it saved my life! Thanks for putting this list out so people can become more aware of this debilitating and under diagnosed condition! There is hope!

So great you insisted on further thyroid testing. As you know TSH alone does not give a complete picture of thyroid health. Thank you for commenting and showing that taking charge of your health and being an advocate for yourself, you can be well despite Hashimoto’s!

I seem to have almost every symptom for hypothyroidism right down to the itching inside the ears (I thought it was just me…)!! I have been to the dr for years complaining about being so tired, I could literally stay (sleep) on the couch all day and be perfectly content. ache so bad that it hurt to even sit still. Not just in my joints, but everywhere. Felt like my bones ached. I would fight myself to go to work, finally make it, only to close my office door and put my head down on my desk and prayed the phone didn’t ring. I have been tested for my thyroid, and it always came back just fine. I have been tested for lupus, gout, RA, you name it. Well, I ended up losing my job a couple of months ago and actually wasn’t even upset. I almost felt thankful that I didn’t have to fight to get up in the mornings. About four weeks ago, I started looking into low thyroid symptoms. I decided that I was going to try something natural and if it made no difference, then I would stop using it. I ordered ThyroGold and I can honestly tell you I feel like a completely different person! I feel SO much better! I don’t ache like I did, and I am not constipated, and my ears don’t itch! I don’t even have room to begin all of the symptoms I have or had, and I’m not completely 100% but at least I feel human again. I can get out of bed and make coffee and look for a job and know that I will actually be able to go to work. I truly feel like I’m on the road to recovery.

Hi Jackie, I’m happy you found something that helps you. Please be sure to speak with your doctor about this product and to have your thyroid levels tested. I’m not sure if this produce contains natural desiccated thyroid however if it does there is always the danger of taking inappropriate amounts for your body and causing harm. So just be sure to show this to your doctor and ask for your doctor to test your thyroid levels.

How is hypothyroidism and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) connected?? I have PCOS and many of the other symptoms listed on this website. Years ago I had bloodwork done and they said my thyroid was fine?? What do I need to do to see if I have hypothyroidism?? I really want to have children some day!

I have had a large portion of these symptom since 1997 but I ignored them. I was tested on last Thursday and I am awaiting on my results. I am overwhelmed but I need to know how to handle my health! I have three boys and a husband so it is affecting my life with them and I have lost some confidence in myself. I was give anxiety meds but they are not effective. I just want my body back

How did your test results turn out? First step is be sure you’ve had all the right tests. Often times TSH is the only test done but this does not paint a full picture. At a minimum be sure you’ve had your Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies, Adrenals, Ferritin and D3 tested. Get a copy of your lab results and check they’ve been done.

Be sure to see your doctor about your sore neck and burning throat especially if you don’t have a cold or flu that may explain it. Our thyroid gland is located in our neck so your doctor should do a neck exam, test your thyroid levels and a thyroid ultrasound if you have persistent pain. Always side with caution and contact your doctor.

Oh my goodness, I have about 98% of these symptoms. I got sick out of no where. One day I was fine and the next I was in the hospital. Doctor’s ran so many test trying to figure what was going on with me. I stayed in the hospital 6 days total. Finally a diagnosis of hypothyroid , hypoglycemia , and adrenal inconsistency. Since my 1st hospital stay in April 2012, I haven’t been able to work or drive. My blood sugar drops dangerously low with no warning and I have no energy. I have experienced blood sugar so low that i had siezures and almost went into a coma. Whenever I move I have to take a break to catch my breathe. I can’t tolerate heat at all because I start to sweat profusely, as if someone dropped a bucket of water over me. I suffer from night sweats so bad that I have to sleep on towels to soak it up. I have gained over 75lbs because I can’t exercise. Occasionally I get about a 10-15 min walk in when it isn’t too hot. I am deficient in almost every vitamin, so I take a lot of supplements in addition to medications prescribed for my conditions. I’m not convinced these medications are helping much. I want my energy back. My doctor never would release me to return to work so I was forced to retire but my job approved my disability, so at 42 yrs old I am retired on disability. I feel that one if these problema is causing all the others but no one has able to figure out which one, so they treat me for all of them how. I suffer from dibilatating migraines and severe abdomen pain. Most pain meds don’t help with the pain, so am dealing with it and sometimes it is very overwhelming and I just cry all day. So now I’m also being treated from severe depression.

I pray someone can help alleviate these problems because I am miserable.

I am sorry all this is happening to you. Our thyroid and adrenal glands are intricately connected. You don’t mention which medication you are on or what tests have been done. First, be sure you’ve had all the right tests at a minimum TSH, Free T4, Free T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenals, ferritin and D3. Then if you are on Levothyroxine drugs ask your doctor about exploring the various drug options to find what works better for you. There is hope to be well.

My name is Judy.I am experiencing hair loss.I am 20 years old.
My symptoms:
Dry hair
Hair loss
Insomnia(sometimes)
dry lips
cold feet
and sometimes I feel tired.
Do I suffer from hypothyroidism?
I haven’t see a doctor yet.Probably on Monday ,I will make an appointment to see my doctor.

Your symptoms may be due to a thyroid issue so I am happy you are seeing your doctor. Of course it’s also possible these symptoms are due to other health conditions. How did your appointment with your doctor go? There are 5 reasons why millions of thyroid sufferers are undiagnosed. So be sure to take a look at these factors to be sure you’ve had all the right tests.

Hi, i have just printed off this to show my partner who thinks i am crazy because of my fatigue and mood swings! People don’t have a clue how it feels to be tired all the time no matter how much sleep you get, the GP wont change my medication from levothyroxine, keeps saying my levels are normal but wont listen to my complaints of symptoms. I have researched the impact of untreated hypothyroidism on the unborn child but what chance do they have if they cant treat a grown adult with the disease?
Thanks for writing this i hope it can make people understand, especially those in the medical profession who think they know all about Thyroid disease.
x Claire x

It’s not possible for other people to imagine the challenges we face unless they’ve walked in our shoes. Please find a new doctor one who will listen to your symptoms and one willing to explore the drug options to find what’s right for you.

I must apologise for the last mail – i wrote it on my phone and despite editing it my phone appears to have change several words!!!!!…….if anyone wants any clarity on what I was saying then please ask; but basically it was this:
Diabetes Melitus = glucose metabolism is problematic; not enough insulin produced by the pancreas to metabolise the carbohydrates in your blood and the treatment is changing diet; tablets or insulin injections .
Diabetes Insipidus = the disruption of water balance around the body caused by dysfunction of the pituitary (or possibly the kidneys). The treatment is Vasopressin.
The symptoms similar to Diabetes mellitus is extreme thirst and equally extreme urination BUT reducing the amount of water intake will not reduce the urination – thus causing extrrreme dehydration. Taking salty drinks helps, i.e. sea salt diluted in small amounts of water and followed by another drink of water once twice or even thrice daily….be aware of your blood pressure when doing this and do not use this if your blood pressure is worryingly raised or you have problematic kidney function. Salt helps the body retain more water. Do have your electrolytes checked with the doc. This treatment is part of supporting your adrenal glands too.
HOWEVER, this is a symptom of Hypothyroidism and will resolve with optimum thyroid hormone supplement and appropriate adrenal gland support so treatment for this disorder alone is negated.

Hi Karen, I’m so happy you found my list. Low thyroid can affect every cell of the body and so you see there hundreds of potential symptoms. Please be sure to have your thyroid looked at more closely including at a minimum TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenals, ferritin and D3.

My goodness! What the heck is left?! It is scary though, to look at that list and recognize so many symptoms…WOW. Brings me back to my very younger years and makes me wonder…But I don’t think I could have gotten the answers I needed until recently anyway…so there is no looking back only forward!

I am so thankful to have come across this website to give myself comfort in knowing I’m not alone. I’m 19 years old & have suffered from Hypothyroid since I was 14. From thinking it was first, heart problems to having CTs of my brain, to thinking I was just dying… I finally was suggested to have my thyroid levels tested. For 3 years, I had never felt better once I was prescribed thyroid medication. I was going places, doing things, running daily, and had lost about 20lbs! During the summer of my senior year, I was told I had PCOS, and was put on birth control. BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE! I went to college for 2 weeks, suffering anxiety, fatigue, depression, etc and had to medically withdraw. I was not myself. I couldn’t function. It’s been exactly 1 year since I started the BC and I’m still fighting the symptoms. It has effected my daily life. I had experienced my first panic attack, followed by 2 more. One, shopping and the other two at family gatherings. Can you say embarrassing? I cannot drive, or simply go into a store. I’ve gained 40lbs, cannot tolerate any foods with gluten, have suffered from peptic ulcers and have migraines on a daily basis. The vertigo and dizziness is the worst. You just feel like your legs are going to give out & walking long distances are nearly impossible. I went from being so carefree & living life feeling absolutely perfect… To now. I advise anyone who is having thyroid symptoms but are in the “Normal Range” (As I am) PLEAD YOUR CASE! Because so, I’m now seeing an endocrinologist who takes the time to listen intently and adjusts my medication according to how I feel, and not just based solely on numbers. Due to the increase, I’ve not (knock on wood) had any panic attacks since, but still have the nervousness of simple things. Like going into our local grocery store. Sounds crazy, right? To anyone else suffering, you’re not alone! No one truly understands what it’s like until they go through it. So when someone says, “Oh honey… Its all just in your head….” It’s NOT all in your head, you’re NOT a hypochondriac (sp?) and you’re NOT crazy. Its all about the correct dose of medicine and type of thyroid replacement for each individual person. Everyone is different. No one knows their own body better than the person themselves. Don’t get discouraged because, This too shall pass… Prayers for you all!

I am so happy you found a doctor who helped you! So wonderful. No these symptoms are not all in our head. I’ve read about how birth control pills can worsen a thyroid condition or even trigger it to start. Our sex hormones are closely connected to our thyroid hormones so when one is off can make the other off too. By the way a great deal written about PCOS and a thyroid autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s. Be sure to have your thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s tested: TPO-Ab and TgAb.

I have recently been told by the doctor that I have thyroiditis and that untreated my thyroid will just burn up and quit working. I have an enlarged thyroid, but the ultrasound was clear except for some “spots” that are thought to be changes in texture. My tsh is all over the place… One time 1.68, 5 months later .96, a week later 1.45. I’m worried that if I go to an endo that they will tell me I don’t have an issue even though I so obviously do… I have EVERY symptom of Hashimotos and a LOT more symptoms that were on your list above! It’s so frustrating!

I had my thyroid killed about 14 years ago due to Graves’ disease and have been in synthroid ever since. I thought I felt fine until I read the list of symptoms and noticed that I have a LOT of them. I am wondering if there is another name for the reverse T3 test as my Dr said the Free T3 was that test?!?! Also, should I be taking any supplements? Thanks!

Reverse T3 and Free T3 are different tests. Here is an article that explains them. If you haven’t already be sure to get testing for Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, adrenals, full iron panel including ferritin, sex hormones, vitamin D3, B12, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. If you are deficient in those nutrients tests then your doctor will recommend supplementing so the first step is to get all those tests to see if you need supplements. Many people do great on Synthroid but then also many do not. For many of us our Free T3 levels end up low in the normal range and we need T3 medication to get our Free T3 to the top half of the normal range to feel well. We’re all different in terms of what’s right for us.

Hello, there! Great article. I do have a lot of these symptoms and have had them for a long time. I was diagnosed with SLE. Is SLE often misdiagnosed? Could it actually be my thyroid and not Lupus? I also have these dark patches on my arms. I had it during pregnancy, but I thought it was supposed to go away. It has not. My son is now almost 4 and they’re still there.
Thank you,
Joey

I am not sure if SLE is misdiagnosed or not. What I do know if that when you have one autoimmune condition such as Lupus you are more likely to develop others such as Hashimoto’s, which is considered the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the US. In fact just yesterday on my Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page a reader posted a question about having both Hashimoto’s and Lupus and asked if others did too and many responded. So please be sure to have full thyroid testing that’s not just TSH but also Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and most importantly thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s (thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies) and antibodies for Graves (TSI).

Hi, Lupus and hypothyroidism are linked buy also they are often misdiagnosed too. Hypothyroidism referred to as the great pretender because it ‘mimics’ shop many other disorders. If you have positive ANA antibodies etc for lupus them is likely lupus but doesn’t mean you don’t also have hyperthyroidism . If you don’t have positive ANA antibodies etc them its possible you have hypothyroidism; but you can’t rule out lupus since apparently50%of those with lupus don’t have antibodies; that makes it difficult to know though weather that’s simply misdiagnosis.
It is relatively day to tell the difference, firstly tale basal temperature readings over 5 days. Also all for a trial of thyr hormone over3or more months; if your not hypothyroid its you can’t tolerate additional hormone; if you manage to take it for3months and tolerate it and even feel better them itslikelyyou’re hypothyroid.and need to continue with treatment accordingly.
The treatment for lupus is much more toxic and can make matters worse for hypothyroids.
Best of luck Sally .

This was a great resource to find! I am 21 years old and have been diagnosed with hypothyroid since I was 17 my grandma father and older sister all have a hypothyroid and being diagnosed early had been one of the best blessing in my life. I have at least 100 of these symptoms one of the hardest being Addison’s disease which I was just recently diagnosed with. Having an amazing doctor has made living with this much easier and I now find myself constantly urging friends and family to get tested even if they don’t think they have hypothyroid problems. Its amazing what the right doctor and medication can do and seeing pages like This where others agree is an amazing help. Thank you for all of the insight!! Also if you are in the Orange County area of California Dr. Alan Marcus is a fabulous endocrinologist

Thank you for sharing your success story. I love hearing from readers who are doing well despite their condition. With Addison’s disease connected to autoimmune health, have you had your thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s (TPO-Ab and TgAb) and for Graves (TSI) tested? I have many readers on my Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page who have Hashimoto’s along with other autoimmune conditions, because when you have one autoimmune condition you are more likely to develop others.

I’m not sure when I became hypothyroid, but noticed that vertigo and bladder problems started at the same time, then 2 mini-strokes (TIAs) and shortly after was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, based on a TSH of 5.4.

I see from your lab results that you haven’t had your Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenals, ferritin and D3 tested or perhaps you have and didn’t list them here. all these tests are particularly important to do. Also to the right of the scores on the lab results sheet will be the normal reference ranges for each which is important to compare your results because labs use different units of measurement so it’s important to know the reference ranges.

Thyroid advocate Mary Shomon wrote: “More innovative doctors are beginning to believe that a TSH of around 1 – 2 — in the low end of the normal range — is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms. Similarly, some practitioners feel that optimal hypothyroidism treatment includes Free T4 in the top half of the normal range, and Free T3 in the top 25th percentil of the normal range.” I personally take a natural desiccated thyroid called Nature-throid and I feel terrible with symptoms when my Free T3 level is low or middle of the normal range. I only feel well when my Free T3 is top quarter of the range as Mary writes so it’s so important to check.

Again I will harp on about the adrenal glands. I would say some of the symptoms you are experiencing Lilly are related to low adrenal gland function. I have written on several occasions on this page regarding supporting the adrenal glands.
These tiny glands work terribly hard and are life supporting; we cannot live without them. They produce many different hormones which have many different effects around the body and hence when the glands are not functioning well they cannot produce all the hormones at the required level and a myriad of apparently unrelated symptoms occur as a result.
You say you are taking supplements; perhaps if you look and see if the ones I have suggested are included in the ones you are taking from Brownstein. I suffered low thyroid function for years without treatment and further I suffered periods of prolonged stress at times too. Each of those issues impacted on my adrenal glands. I had some of the more severe symptoms of adrenal insufficiency but not quite extreme enough for Addisons etc.
So your Drs tests may come back negative but the salivary 4x diurnal test is much more sensitive.
I used the herbs (adaptogens), the vitamins and minerals I mention above somewhere and also the steroid hormone DHEA. DHEA helped my sex hormones balance themselves as well as supporting the adrenal glands and overtime I am well again. This is not something that gets better overnight and and you will need to support your adrenals probably for evermore.
Adrenal insufficiency is, we are told, quite rare. I disagree. If we are talking Addisons’ Disease and Cushing’s syndrome then yes but those are the extremes of adrenal dysfunction. Between normal function and those two extremes I would argue adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue as some refer to it, is actually quite common.
Certainly those with hypothyroidism are very likely in the majority of cases to have this ‘inbetween’, ‘milder form’, or sub clinical whatever you like to refer to it as (adrenal fatigue). If the body requires thyroid hormone in every cell to function normally that includes the brain the liver the heart and of course the adrenal glands and pituitary etc., too. Further hypothyroidism sees poor nutrient absorption and the adrenal glands needs many nutrients to make their myriad of hormones.
If we suffer stress physical or psychological/emotional then the adrenal glands are put under stress, this inturn impacts on the thyroid gland. So much so that if you have low function thyroid you will have low functioning adrenals and visa versa; they really are like very close siblings – twins even – if you get one you get the other the majority of time.
Your sex hormones may be disrupted Lilly andthese that might be causing night sweats along with the vertigo these are symptoms of the inbetween ‘adrenal fatigue’. This can be treated often without using Cortisol or Hydrocortisone needed in only very few cases; but when Cortisol is used it should be used in physiological doses that is very tiny doses. The purpose being to support the ‘fatigued’ adrenal glands. If high doses of these steroids are used they tend to shut down the function of the adrenal glands altogether and that is definately NOT what you need or your thyroid for that matter.
They are very important little glands; without them we would die before the end of the week.

I have Hashimotos and have since my daughter. I am getting frustrated with doctors because I know my level needs to be at 1 to feel optiomal. However, I go through periods of major sweating, anxiety, headaches, cold intolerance, never can calm down. I feel like I am getting too much of the hormone. At the same time, I have cut everything out of my diet. I cannot eat any fiber because now it is linked to messing with my medicine. I have already eliminated gluten, soy, dairy from my diet. I feel like there will be nothing left to eat. I want another baby so badly, but I feel like my doctor isn’t going to monitor me as close as I need to. I am at my wits end and I have doctor shopped all over the place. I tell myself this diseas is not going to define me, but somedays I feel like I am having a heart attack. I don’t understand why doctors don’t understand the disease itself. I am trying to be patient and hope that this thyroid disaster goes away this time, but I am not sure anymore. I already have a Vitamin D definciency and I have been taking something to help my adrenal glands. I feel like my inability to cope with stress is the underlying cause as well. I feel lost…. I don’t ever remember being this sensitive to any and everything ever.

I agree that it’s frustrating to find a good doctor however there are great doctors out there worth searching to find them. I put together a list of the top 10 resources to help readers find great thyroid doctors in their area.

I have gone to four endocrinologists each one has made major errors which have had a significant negative impact. First one mis diagnosed me…second put me on 6 doses higher than I required, third under medicated me and told me to use estrogen at the same time (a dose increase is needed to use estrogen, estrogen dominance) and the last one I will refer to as science guy..matter of fact told me what my dose should be looking at his computer the entire time…based my dose on the 1.6 kg of weight…undermedicated again and in pain…I go to my GP only now…I supply the research and she supplies the science knowledge I need…so far I have been right…currently coming out of hypo I once stable I hope my pain fades…liek the endo’s I fired..a total replacement dose is generally between .1 and .175…and to think the second one started me on .175 after a minimal dose of RAI less than the recommended 10-20 milicures for a disease I do not have…..be careful and be sure who you trust.

I have many of these symptoms you’ve listed. plus others elevated liver enzymes, high Cortisol, Low potassium, high Iron, Low Igm (immune system), hair loss, red itchy scalp…
But all my thyroid blood tests come back normal, but my gut feeling tells me its not right.
Can you supplement with nascent iodine?
What would you do or suggest?

Oh Dana this is a cracker!
Thank you for your permission for us at Scottish Thyroid Petition to share any of your information.
This is a definite one for the Scottish Parliament Round Table Meeting 1st October.

I have dizzy spells for the last 20 years . Hundreds blood test . This last year dizzy spells up and down pulse rate. Breathing issues , panic attack ,asthma , middle back ache . Spotting in between cycle , moody . I had hundreds of test all blood heart ekgs echo halter you name it . Cat scan of brain my primary said thyroid was borderline low . A year ago . We left it at that . I been having such a hard time as listed about and haven’t heart about my thyroid again . Can this be thyroid .

TSH is often the only test done to diagnose and treat hypothyroidism but this is not enough to give a full picture. At a minimum testing should include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenals, ferritin and D3. Ask for a copy of your lab results and check these tests were done and if not ask for them.

I have been researching hypothyroidism for a few months now and I just found your site. I was diagnosed with hypothyroid about 2 months ago and the last 3 months have been horrible. I read over the list of sysmptoms and I am getting both mad and sad at the same time because I had sooooo many (over 100) for more than 20 years. thye have progressivly gotten worse and worse and I ahd no idea why. I have talked to so many drs about them and they all look at me funny and tell me nothing is wrong. I probably would have gone on feeling horrible had I not stoped taking Birth Control to try and have a child. That set off the symptoms and made the last 3 months so bad. Sad thing is I told my GNO for the last 3 years that I was concerned about my thyroid and she always said age or eat better or stay of wheat. so when I felt really bad I told them to schedule a blood test because if I wasnt pregnant or have have hypothyroidism then I had mono for the second time. they did and I have been on meds now doe 2 months 100mcg of levothyroxine and I still feel like crap. I mean a few symptoms have improved but I dont feel good. even now as I type this my legs are going numb, I have a ringing in my ears, and my head feels like it weights 50 lbs.
I am glad that I can research my symptoms and find some comfort that others are feeling as I do but I am just so sad to know that I could have gotten more out of my life had any dr along the way listened to my complaints.

There is hope to be well despite hypothyroidism. There are two main issues. First is that TSH is often the only test done to diagnose and treat hypothyroidism but this one test does not give a full picture. Testing should include at a minimum Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenals, ferritin, sex hormones and D3.

The second major issue is that Levothyroxine is the number one drug prescribed but so many of us continue to be symptomatic on it and that’s why there is a site like Hypothyroid Mom. There are other drug options but mainstream doctors often refuse to consider the options.

I agree with the many others who find your blog to be a God send! I felt like I was crazy, trying to convince others along with my doctor(s) that something with not right with my body!

Let me start my story from the beginning. My mother was diagnosed with Graves disease after being very sick (lost 40 lbs) and having to be hospitalized. Our then PCP (I was 16) decided to check my thyroid levels and they returned as being high. So instead of having me possibly live through a thyroid storm like my mother I was given radiation to obliterate my thyroid. This was something I have always included in my medical history.

Since then I have gone on to have a great life and gave birth to a healthy daughter 6 years ago. I thought (and so did my doctors) everything was ok with my body because I always tried to be a healthy eater and exercise at least 5 days a week.

I got married two years ago and I decided to remove my IUD and so we could begin enlarging our family. I automatically thought I would be pregnant in a couple months. Nothing….I wait a year (as all doctors instruct) and go back to my OB. He ordered a semen analysis for my husband, that was all good. The OB told me that I was “too young” to have fertility issues and to just keep trying. No blood, no check up, no nothing.

Now, all this time I am having great issues with fatigue to the point that I can barely stay awake at work (At this point I was working on a major project at work, that required longer hours). I also started gaining weight despite my exercise ( I thought it was because I was in love :)). I also was struggling with recurring bouts of depression every now and then (I thought it ran in my family). Every time I would get my eyebrows arched they would always complain about my eyebrows being short (I thought it was because I had been getting them arched for so long I damaged my hair follicles). My scalp was itching and flacking and my hair dry and popping off. My sex drive also fell – I knew something was going on but I never related it to my thyroid.

So, I was tired of dealing with that OB because I felt he should be doing something to test my hormones –again not thinking my thyroid. I went another OB and told him of my fertility issues (I included the thyroid on my medical history). He ordered the HSG test to look at my ovaries and womb and of course that was fine. He placed me on Clomid. During this time I also decided to get acupuncture to balance my body and hopefully achieve pregnancy.
After finally talking with my mother and telling her some of my symptoms she suggested that I demand a thyroid panel. Little did I know that I had just gotten pregnant by then. I went to the OB and RELUNTLY he ordered the blood tests (including the pregnancy test). Then it took him forever to call and tell me what was found. He placed my on synthyroid (.0050 mcg) and told me everything with my pregnancy would be fine.

One Saturday I woke up feeling really shaky and thought it was because I was hungry. By that afternoon my heart was beating fast, I felt like I was going to pass out and I was almost too weak to stand. My mom said it was because my medicine was not dosed correctly. I didn’t take it Sunday and called first thing Monday to see my doctor. When he called me back he didn’t request I come in for blood, instead he told me to cut the pill in half and see how I felt after that. I obliged.

A couple of weeks later we go in for an ultrasound and we were able to see the baby and its little heart beating, but they were telling me that the baby was measuring smaller than what they expected and changed my due date by two weeks. I knew there was no way in the world I would have ovulated that late in the month because I was taking ovulation test.

Long story, short I go in for a routine check up at 12 weeks and my baby has died. I haven’t had any symptoms of a miscarriage so this was totally devastating to me. I feel like this could have been avoided if my doctor had taken the time to properly monitor me and my thyroid levels. The more I research the madder I become because I feel like my miscarriage should and could have been avoided…I know this in my heart!!

I have left that OB and I have found one who has taken the time to listen to my medical history and automatically referred me to an endocrinologist. I didn’t even have to ask (because I was going to). I am praying that in a couple months I will be pregnant again and it will be full term and healthy. I am combining Western medicine with Eastern acupuncture which can also be used to ensure your thyroid is functioning as it should and balance out all the ill affects hypothyroidism has had on your body.

The moral of my long story is always listen to your body. Do not let anyone, not even a doctor ,tell you something isn’t wrong with you when they haven’t even checked to ensure!! Speak up and out, especially if you suspect an issue with your thyroid. That one little gland can alter your life in so many different ways.

Our stories are so very similar. I too went in for my ultrasound and was told my baby was two weeks earlier due to the smaller size but I had written down the date of my ovulation and knew they were wrong and at the 12 week appointment there was no heart beat. If there is one message I give to my readers is to be advocates for yourself. When you feel deep inside you something is wrong there is something wrong and you push even if it means seeing 10 doctors until someone listens.

The good news is that there is hope to have babies despite hypothyroidism. I too used Acupuncture and western medicine to have my second son at age 40.

hypothyroidmom.com/hypothyroid-moms-story-of-hope-her-miracle-babies/

I was interviewed recently by thyroid advocate Mary Shomon about fertility and pregnancy. Excellent show. Here is a recording:

I was born with congenital hypothyroidism. Even if your level appears normal you should still see your GP if you are suffering from symptoms. I’ve lost the first quarter of my life to this condition. I wasn’t my true self….In fact I thought I was just born weird. I had tons and tons of nightmares each night for 25 years non-stop. I thought I was an odd, ugly worthless nothing that the world hated. I was miserable. I literally suffered almost all of the symptoms mentioned on the list. I used to feel so unwell ( still do sometimes), and my parents never ever believed me when I would cry so much b/c I felt so sick (physically). Back in the day they would give me my thyroid med everyday so they thought I must have other reasons to fake illnesses. I could go on and on about this….I know this may go off topic but, I just want the everyone to know that there is more than just a possibility for a beautiful life after being diagnosed. It’s not an easy road, but I have begun to repair my life,and I think it is possible for anyone going through this to get through it and survive.

Hello, I would like to add here as a thyroid sufferer that Lack of Magnesium has a lot to do with Hypothyroidism. My search for all my health issues and my family’s I thought were all from the Thyroid, but there are other reasons.. Magnesium Deficiency.. It has the same hundreds of symptoms that hypothyroidism would cause. It actually be the same list and be titled : Signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism OR Magnesium deficiency..
Here’ s Dr Carolyn’s Ebook on Magnesium Deficiency / Same hundreds symptoms http://www.nutritionalmagnesium.org/listmessenger/public/Magnesium_ebook.pdf
Her actual book “The Magnesium Miracle” will have so much more info not available on the web.

Edna you are right Hypothyroidism and magnesium deficiency are linked but they are not necessarily different disorders since hypothyroidism causes magnesium deficiency. Hypothyroidism affects the digestive system preventing Hypothyroid sufferers from absorbing and reabsorbing (I have spoken about kidney dysfunction and Diabetes Insipidus previously), many nutrients from our food. Further a Western diet is low in magnesium and particularly since modern intensive farming methods rob the soil of this vital mineral. Further our Western diet is heaped with calcium and this excess of calcium in our diet sees an imbalance of magnesium and calcium; these two minerals should be equally balanced.
Magnesium is a vital mineral for several reasons;
It is essential to good brain function.
It is essential to good heart function.
It is essential to good adrenal gland function.
It is vital to bone health.
It is vital to every cell in the body for the control of electrical charges.
And so on.
We know Hypothyroid sufferers suffer brain dysfunction, cardiac dysfuncion, adrenal dysfunction and further osteoporosis too, partly due to low thyroid hormone in the cells but also due to mineral imbalance and particularly low magnesium.
Good bone health is not solely reliant on calcium but rather ALL minerals are stored in the bone. >99% of calcium must be in the bone with <1% circulating either intra or extra cellular. Whereas around 50% of magnesium is found outside the bones since it is vital for other functions around the body as well as bone health.
If more calcium is found circulating around the body then more magnesium is required to counter it; hypothyroidism causes a low calcitonin level – calcitonin is responsible for removing calcium from the blood and into the bones, deficiency sees high levels of calcium circulating around the body.
The parathyroid glands produce a hormone which encourages calcium into the blood stream out of the bones. Since parathyroid glands are ususally not affected when hypothyroidism exists you can see there is a high likelihood that more calcium is found outside the bones than is appropriate.
Further inside the cells magnesium controls the entry and exit of calcium; calcium is required to initiate the electric charges inside the cells of the body of all organs and tissue. When the balance of magnesium and calcium is disrupted and calcium levels are greater (outside of the bone tissue) then magnesium (normally in control of calcium) looses its control over calcium. This means calcium stays inside the cells (when the small amount circulating should be outside the cells) and causes intracellular electrical charges to occur in a chaotic manner.
The body will naturally protect certain organs such as the brain and heart to maintain life and so other areas of the body are robbed of magnesium to maintain life.
It is very unlikely that those of us eating a WEstern diet will require calcium supplements and further those of us with hypothyroidism should avodi them completely unless you are told you have a very RARE condition requiring calcium supplements. If you balance magnesium and calcium by taking magnesium supplements you will be encouraging the body to control calcium and push it back out of the cells so that the electrical charges within the cells; and particualrly the heart muscle cells; can resume in an orderly manner under the influence of magnesium. Further if you take NDT you will be taking calcitonin and that will encourage calcium back into the bones where it should be.
Remember calcium is added to cement – for the purpose of setting the cement hard; in your arteries, kidneys, gall bladder, etc., it has the same effect. Calcium will harden soft tissue just as it does the compound which adheres and sets the slabs in your patio. Magnesium is a vital mineral and supplement and more particualarly if you exercise or sweat excessively for any reason; since body minerals are lost via our sweat – take supplements of magnesium with multi mineral supplements always.

Hi Dana,
What a great site, and what a helpful list of symptoms! I was diagnosed with Hashi’s when I was 14, I am now 30. At the time, I hadn’t noticed any symptoms. I was routinely screened because of the fact that my father had hypothyroidism as well. Over the years, my dosage of Levothyroxine would have to be changed here and there, but again, I never noticed any symptoms. A year and a half ago I gave birth to my first child, and my body hasn’t been able to go back to normal sense. To begin with, we were diagnosed with unexplained infertility. We had to use Clomid and progesterone to get pregnant. Looking back, I am now attributing that to my hypothyroidism. Even though my TSH was in the normal range, I doubt it was as low as 1 or 2. When my son was six months old, I began my year-long battle with chronic urticaria (hives). I am on many medications for this debilitating disease, and was on Prednisone for 5 months. Prednisone makes you feel great, and it also masks many other symptoms that may be going on in your body. So when I got off, I began to notice achy joints, specifically in my fingers and my feet. My allergist aasured me that it probably had to do with prednisone withdrawal, but it has been a while with the pain now. It is important to note that when my hives began I had a full panel of bloodwork done in order to rule out more serious autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Now, on top of the achy joints and the latent hives, I have been dealing with eye redness. I saw that on your list of symptoms. My optometrist called it episcleritis, which is a condition that can signify autoimmunity, and often rheumatoid arthritis. Even though my blood work ruled this out a year ago, I have become fearful that new bloodwork would show something different. But then it occurred to me that maybe this could all be related to my thyroid still. I didn’t realize joint pain was a common symptom. I have researched eye redness and thyroid, but usually it is connected to hyperthyroidism, and it is called thyroid eye disease. My question is, to your knowledge, can it also be connected to hypothyroidism? The redness is simply inflammation, which is the cause of the hives as well, so I have been thinking it is logical to connect all of these disorders. I found a new endocrinologist a few months back, who I thought I liked… But now I’m wondering if maybe he is too narrow minded for discounting most of these symptoms and only treating me with Synthroid. He thinks I am not hypo enough to be having joint pain. I have an appointment with my family doctor, and I plan to discuss a possible referral to a rheumatologist. So, I am responsibly seeking medical advice. But I was just wondering if you had ever heard of a case like mine. I think I will look into a new endo while I’m at it. Thanks in advance!

It is sad really the lack of attention given to thyroid conditions in the medical community. I hear time and time again readers with very common hypothyroidism symptoms but their doctors dismiss their thyroid condition as a possible cause. Now it’s always possible that your symptoms could be completely unrelated to your Hashimoto’s, however given the need of thyroid hormone by every cell of the body for proper functioning it’s likely that they are connected and you should seek the help of a doctor is open minded about treatment.

I will put links to articles related to symptoms you mention in your message.

My daughter is 7 years old and has congenital hypothyroidism detected soon after birth using the heel prick test. She is euthyroid now and developing normally. At her latest visit to the paediatrician in Agust 2013, I was told that they have seen children start deteriorating in year 7 and 8 of their lives and I was asked to be watchful. Can you please share more information on this? Many thanks and best regards.

I am sorry to hear your daughter was born with congenital hypothyroidism. I am happy to hear she is doing well. I did not know that children may worsen in year 7 and 8. I will remember that. I do know that there are three times in a woman’s life when she is most vulnerable to trigger a thyroid condition or worsen an existing one – puberty, pregnancy and menopause – due to the changing sex hormones. So puberty would be a particularly critical time to watch your daughter. There is an online community for parents with children with hypothyroidism created by thyroid advocate Janie Bowthorpe. It would be helpful for you to post this question for that group to see their experience with their children at that age.

Ditto to all this. I finally went to an all natural endocrinologist. The testing had finally given the correct results, but too late. I was not properly prescribed for the extent of damage and low levels of D3, B12, etc. The end result was breast cancer. I believe for women it after menopause, it comes down to breast cancer or heart disease or both when the thyroid is not providing support to the rest.

The thyroid is in charge. Not the colon, not the heart. Thyroid is the boss, and when we have been there, we understand.

I am now on all natural prescriptions and supplement for hypothyroid and support with the breast cancer. No synthroid any longer. B complex plus B12. High dose of melatonin. High D3 dose.

Great blog and information, much needed, glad it hits the top of searches.

I need to find a thyroid/diabetic dr in New Jersey….I am having many symptoms…I can be fine and within 30 minutes my fever can shoot up to 103 …I become absolutely freezing…..muscle aches…jumpy heart beat and just incapable of doing anything…I have to cover up with about 7 blankets and still I am freezing in the height of summer…..I am constantly tired…no energy and basically just want to stay in my bed and sleep….this is so not like me…and most times end up in the hospital…I have been seeing a diabetic dr but I don’t think he is great…I am not obese but he keeps trying to push his meal replacement drinks on me…that seems to be his big goal in life and his pockets…I am not interested….I grew up on healthy eat a little of everything environment….but I am suffering terribly…any suggestions would be fantastic….my general dr did the normal test of blood but nothing more….thank you for your help

I put together resources to help readers find good thyroid doctors in their area. These lists are specifically for doctors dealing with thyroid conditions and I don’t know if they are necessarily great for diabetics too. However there is a link between hypothyroidism and diabetes and I wonder if properly treating your thyroid condition with a great doctor would also help your diabetes.

Like many of the others here I’m so glad I stumbled onto your site! Thank you for the information you provide and this wonderful resource

I had my thyroid partially removed a few years ago due to a nodule. At the time I knew very little about the importance of thyroid functions and wasn’t informed by the doctors either. They basically told me that I wouldn’t need medication as the remaining half would kick in and all would be fine. I stupidly trusted them as you assume doctors know best. They didn’t even tell me to monitor my levels.

Well since that operation I’ve never felt quite 100%. I don’t sleep very well anymore and put on more and more weight inspite of exercising. It didn’t really click until recently that it could be due to my thyroid. I developed another horrible symptom months ago which has lead me to seek out answers. I started losing my hair and it just won’t stop, not to mention I don’t see anything coming back in. Got my bloodwork done and was told everything was normal except for slightly high TSH. I requested a copy of my results and TSH is 5.1 but free T4 is 17.2. The doctor thinks this is ok for now and just needs to be monitored. However, I am trying to educate myself as much as I can and have already read that this suggests mild thyroid failure. Problem is they think it’s ok. If my hair wasn’t falling out for no reason I would agree but you know your own body and this isn’t right.

Do you think this could be the reason? I already have a few other symptoms and given that mine has to work extra hard it’s just logical to me. I wish the doctors would see sense. I might be bald by the time they do!

It is very sad your story because a TSH of 5.1 is high by any standard. The normal ranges listed depending on the lab are around 0.5 to 5.0 but thyroid advocates for years have been fighting to narrow this range. Thyroid advocate Mary Shomon wrote: “More innovative doctors are beginning to believe that a TSH of around 1 – 2 — in the low end of the normal range — is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms. Similarly, some practitioners feel that optimal hypothyroidism treatment includes Free T4 in the top half of the normal range, and Free T3 in the top 25th percentil of the normal range.”

Hair loss is such a common symptom of hypothyroidism that absolutely it may be the reason for your hair loss. TSH and T4 are not enough to give a full picture. You need testing of Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies, Adrenals, Full Iron Panel (including ferritin) and D3.

Hi – I have just found this website and am amazed home many of us are out there! I had a total thyroidectomy and neck dissection early June after diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer with extra thyroidal extension. My lymph glads were clear but there were some cells in the soft tissue on my wind pipe so I’m just about to have my first RAI treatment. The symptoms you list above are so me that I can’t believe it from chronic bladder problems as a child and adult, hives, allergies and food intolerances, life long weight gain and weight loss, post natal depression, brittle nails, hair loss, yellowing of skin tone, chronic constipation, colonic polyps and gall bladder removal, very high cholesterol, low blood pressure and pulse, low body temperature, ovarian cysts, hysterectomy, bladder and bowel prolapse repairs not to mention mood swings that could only be described as extreme and all the time my TSH, T3 & T4 always came back “within normal limits”. Please make sure that in dealing with your health care professionals you stand your ground. I’d had 3 bouts of thyrotoxicosis in the last 8 years along with at least 4 “benign” nodules when one of these nodules decided to bleed internally and swell causing severe pain and making it very difficult to breath and eat. The nodule did this on 3 occasions at which time I decided to that it had to go. My Endo wasn’t sure it was necessary and advised me that it might be a good idea to “wait and see”. I was adamant that it had to go so I had a hemi-thyroidectomy. On my one week follow up with my surgeon he informed me that this nodule was indeed benign though it had adhered to my wind pipe and the large tendon at the front of my neck and had to be peeled off but worse still the other 2 nodules on that side ( 1 x 1cm, 1 x 2 mm) had come back positive for papillary cancer with the lager one being extra thyroidal. If I hadn’t forced the issue and had done as my Endo had suggested I wonder how long it would have been before the cancer had spread and my prognosis could have been much worse. Listen to you body and be guided by your gut feeling as it’s your life and you deserve to be taken seriously .

I was so struck by your story. Thank God you trusted your instincts. We know our bodies better than anyone. I am touched by every cancer survivor that joins me on my site. You are all warriors. Best wishes to you.

Your WEB site has been very encouraging. My situation is that I had/have Grave’s Disease several years ago that went into full remission after drug therapy (forgot the name of the drug but it has been taken off the market due to it possibly destroying ones bone marrow). Now, about 20 years later (recently turned 63) my annual checkup showed a dramatic turn towards now having the beginning stages of hypothyroidism. I have a good doctor who actually listens and he did do the free T4 & T3 testings which confirmed to him that I am headed in that direction. What bothers me is that within a month of my last annual checkup dramatic changes have been happening plus many on your list that I’ve had all along but never associated with the thyroid, thus never told my doctor about. The absolute worst symptoms are: EXTREME intolerance to heat (I’m O.K with cold); EXTREME burning tongue syndrome (which I got around age 50 {menopause time] and it took 2 years to find a solution to that, the end result being that I had clinical depression, anxiety disorder & cyclothemia) —> a combination of clonazepam, desipramine, lamotrigine & metoprolol tartrate and holistic practice of yoga and tai-chi has solved the problem until now); a double size increase in my breasts within the last year (but no weight gain –> have always been and still am a normally thin person); accelerated aging within the last year; sudden onset of cataracts within last year and unexplained patches of itchiness on areas of my feet within the last year that are not related to dry feet or fungus [already saw a dermatologist to confirm that]. And my most recent symptom just days ago is my first time experience with cold sores (not canker –> did research on this already). Could any of the above (especially the recurrence of burning tongue & lips 24/7) factor in to hypothyroidism? Again, I am 63 and have always had and still have a very healthy lifestyle. My only other complaint is migraine headaches that started at menopause and are somewhat under control but are not related to the thyroid I think. But lately I have noticed very strong memory problems and foggy thinking. I know this e-mail is fragmented (related to my recent memory/foggy thinking, I’m sure) but any comment/help/advice from you would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Absolutely your symptoms or many of them could be related to hypothyroidism. Every cell of the body requires proper thyroid hormone levels for proper functioning so every cell can be affected by low thyroid levels. Now of course some of your symptoms could be completely unrelated to your thyroid so be sure to speak to your doctor about them in case there are other health conditions that should be checked. However one thing is for certain you should have a closer look at your thyroid condition.

What tests have been run? TSH is often the only test done but testing should include at a minimum Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies, and Adrenals.

Hello, I have been diagnosed with graves Disease and they have put me on meds to bring levels down before they decide what to do. (thyroid and heart rate). I can deal with most all symptoms but the light headedness, dizzy, head pressure, stare or just whatever you want to call is something I am not tolerating very well. Will this feeling ever go away because I am to the point I feel I cant drive anymore. It was only bad in the dark at first but now its at high speeds also (above 50) Only answer I can get is wait until they see what my levels are on next appointment. I just want to know from anybody that has experienced this that it will go away or will it end up being all in my head even after levels are ok. thanks

I am sorry to hear all you’re going through. I hope there are other readers who have been through the same that will share their experience with you. There is a great blog on Graves Disease by Elaine Moore. Best wishes to you.

Suffer from 80% of the above list but cannot get straight answers from the doctors
Please help
1/ Is it possible to go blind?
2/ Worst senario, in severe cases how long can you be expected to live once diagnosed?
3/ Do symptoms ever go away?
Please yes or no answers, fed up of being fobbed off with a lot of statistics and waffle and would appreciate an honest answer

I’m not sure how to give yes or no answers to these questions but I’ll try to be brief.

1. I’m unsure. I imagine it’s possible if left untreated.
2. I don’t know. With treatment we can improve our health and I imagine live a normal lifespan.
3. Yes with proper treatment and/or addressing underlying causes.

Dana is right :-
Dr Peatfield says with the right treatment; including yeast, adrenals, low/high iron levels; that symptoms can be reversed and life expectancy is the same as someone without hypothyroidism.
Dr Barnes was also of that opinion too.

Hi there. Just quickly want to say that I’m not sure if I have got hyporthyroidism as my TSH is normal, so doubt I’ll get treatment but I do wonder if something’s going on. I have had breast cancer and also have an intellectually disabled child; my dad has had goiter; and, now (at menopause) I”ve got very dry flaky scalp, am very tired (love a siesta if I can fit one in); weight gain (even though I eat well); cold hands and feet with foot cramps and sore back muscles; sluggish bowels; foggy brain. Am putting it down to menopause but maybe there’s more to it. Would be interested to know what others think. cheers.

Given you have symptoms and your father had a goiter, push for further testing beyond TSH. Testing should include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies & Thyroglobulin Antibodies) at a minimum.

Hi, im totally lost…for 3 weeks now I have had a burning throat, with shortness of breath.
The worse the burning gets the worse the shortness of breath gets…I have had, chest xray…a swallow…seen a ENT surgeon, I have a lapband, so i’ve had that loosened and also Gastroscopy, EVERYTHING was clear…im at my wits end…I read all of the symptoms on your site and what I have is on there…I need HELP! please something, anything…thanks

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck wrapped around the throat. So any strange sensations in the throat either pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing could be a sign that the thyroid gland is inflamed or enlarged due to growths for example. See your doctor about a thyroid ultrasound to be sure your thyroid is okay. Also blood testing usually only includes TSH for thyroid testing but that’s not enough. Ask for Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies in addition to the thyroid ultrasound. Best wishes to you.

Hi, im totally lost…for 3 weeks now I have had a burning throat, with shortness of breath.
The worse the burning gets the worse the shortness of breath gets, even on resting…I have had, chest xray…a swallow…seen a ENT surgeon, I have a lapband, so i’ve had that loosened and also Gastroscopy, EVERYTHING was clear…im at my wits end…I read all of the symptoms on your site and what I have is on there…I need HELP! please something, anything…thanks

I was told by my doctor I had hypothyroidism about two years ago, the levels are up and down so he wont prescribe anything until it stops going up and down and just goes up. I am now getting night sweats, I mean I am soaked, I am also getting dizzy spells, very scary when you are driving. I feel very worried he isn’t doing a thing to help.

Please find a new doctor. Your TSH going up and down is common in Hashimoto’s which is considered the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the US yet thyroid antibodies are not routinely tested. This up and down in TSH can come with a combination of hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms. Please locate a doctor who will do the thyroid antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies & Thyroglobulin Antibodies) along with Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, adrenals, full iron panel and D3 at a minimum.

I am crying trying to read your info on hypothyroidism. For many many years now I have had increasing symptoms. During this time my niece was diagnosed with it after going through her childhood with a “tire” around her neck and a dr saying it’s not bad enough to treat. My other niece, her sister, has been diagnosed with Reynauds. Most recently her and my brother (her dad) were told they have hereditary spherocytosis, which can mask and cause false readings on blood tests. For years I have been complaining of extreme fatique. I have gone through gallbladder desease and drs act like they can’t hear you. About five years ago I was diagnosed with high blood preasure, cardiomyophathy, enlarged heart and congesstive heart failure. My other symptoms were getting worse and I convinced one of my drs to check my thyroid. He said the results were borderline and couldn’t decide to treat it or not. His final decision was not. I have had a pacemaker/defibrillator put in with no change in how I feel. When I read your list I cry because I have a majority of them at this point and some have become unbearable. The fatique(which I have complained about for 20 years)is so bad, the weakness has increased, I have very dry skin and psoriasis, unbearable joint pain, the feeling of a lump in my throat and the slow thinking and brain fog.Those are the most botherson but by far not all. When the heart problems were diagnosed cholesterol and diabetes were not an issue now they are. When I tried to explain that my symptoms were getting worse, not better, and my weight was out of control, no matter how hard I tried the dr told me to ” get myself examined from the neck up”. I am being pumped full of meds for cholesterol that are not helping. I have been seeing a therapist for the depression and feeling worthless because these symptoms are getting worse. I burst into tears when I read your list and it sounds like me. Maybe I am not crazy. I want to feel better so badly.

I’m so sorry to hear all you’ve been through. Your symptoms could very well be thyroid related but there is so little awareness about thyroid conditions in general including in the medical community. Millions are undiagnosed right now. One of the main reasons is because TSH is the only test done to diagnose hypothyroidism but this one test does NOT give a full picture. Your symptoms are not in your head. You must find a doctor who will listen to your symptoms, your family history, and do thorough testing that should include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies, Adrenals, Full Iron Panel and vitamin D3 at a minimum. Don’t stop until you’ve found a doctor who will listen even if that means seeing 10 doctors.

You mentioned having psoriasis and your niece with Raynaud’s. They are both associated with autoimmune conditions. Even the family history of spherocytosis, my understanding is that a genetic mutation is the usual reason for this, but it can also happen with some autoimmune diseases where the body degrades its own red blood cells. Please be sure you and your family members have your thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s tested. There are two tests: Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies & Thyroglobulin Antibodies. When you have one autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s you are more vulnerable to develop others. Hashimoto’s is considered the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the US yet antibodies are not routinely tested.

OMG! Thank you for this. I am experiencing a lot of these symptoms even though I am taking Synthroid (137 mcg) and my labs are normal. I was thinking many of these symptoms were from something else. Now I realize that it all comes back to my thyroid, that my medication is probably not working, and confirms that I really need to find a new doc. These conventional docs just go by the numbers and they don’t even do all the necessary labs that would really tell them how my thyroid is functioning. So frustrating!!!!! Thank you again. I hope one day I can get back to feeling normal and not be so moody. I deserve it, my husband deserves it, and my kids deserve it. GRRRR!!!

Hi Dana! I just got a new doctor because my old doctor would not switch my meds as I believed my levels were way off and I needed some testing done again. It was before the 6 month period to test again so my doctor didn’t feel the need to look into it she just said how I feel everyday is normal for me. I don’t think it is normal to be on meds to feel better and still feel like crap everyday for more than three months at a time. So I got a new doctor and she tested my thyroid levels. Turns out my levels are at 15.9 she put me on levo 125 mcg. Before I was on 100 mcg so hopefully this can help. She wants to test again next month instead of six months from now to see what happens. I was wondering how long should it take to get my levels to normal? I feel much more muscle weakness now it hurts to bend my legs sometime and hold my arms up to do my hair. I feel like I have to nap early on in the evening I am always sluggish and tired. I was hoping after starting the new meds I would see a difference it seems like it is a little worse my hair is falling out AGAIN and I feel more pain in my bones. I am confused I thought things would look up a little from the meds going up!?

Your TSH at 15.9 is so high that it would explain why you are not doing well. So first off see if with your new doctor if they can get it down if you feel better. Be sure your testing includes not just TSH but also Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, Thyroglobulin Antibodies, adrenals, full iron panel and D3 at a minimum.

Levothyroxine drugs like the one you are on are the most commonly prescribed but they don’t work for all of us. So if after several months despite dosage changes you still don’t feel well then discuss the other thyroid drug options with your doctor. Levothyroxine contains T4 hormone only and our bodies are supposed to convert the T4 to the active T3 hormone our bodies need but for many of us our bodies don’t convert it and we’re left with low T3 and symptoms. This is why many of us benefit from a combination of T4 and T3 medication.

Hello everyone. Just came here for a little advice. I am 21 diagnosed with graves at 16 was hyper now hypo. I have recently switched my doctor because my old doctor was not interested in doing more test and making a change in my medicine dose of levothyroxine. I was on levo 100 mcg and she said my levels were 11.4 after I ran out of meds and needed to go back for testing she wanted to just put me back on the same dosage 100 mcg without any further testing I was upset because I needed to be taken serious and she told me to just keep the same regime because how I feel is normal for thyroid patients.

To describe the way I feel, I feel like crap 90% of my day like I cannot get energy I am tired all the time, sluggish, my head feels very heavy and sometime hard to think I cannot sleep at night or don’t sleep long and I have to take naps during early hours of the day. I seem a little more on edge than usual and I have terrible muscle soreness in my bones including my arms where I lift to brush my hair, my legs and my fingers. I am a fulltime college student and so it is tough to concentrate on classes as I should so I am reaching out to see what I can do myself. I have gotten a new doctor and she seems to be more concerned than my last doctor she did test my levels and she said I am at a 15.9 and my mouth dropped that seems extremely high from the 11.4 I was told before. She up my levo to 125 mcg and I have been on that a few weeks and I feel worse. More tired, more muscle and bone aches and also my hair is falling out all over again. Should I give this time to just adjust to my body?! Or is the dosage all wrong or am I feeling this bad because my levels are so high?

I hope the resources that I provided in my last reply to you will be helpful. In this question you also ask whether you should give your body time to adjust to the new dosage. Yes. Retesting should happen 4-6 weeks after the last testing so at that time see how you feel. In the meantime call your doctor and ask that those other tests I mentioned (Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, adrenals, full iron panel and D3) be included in your next testing. If by then you still don’t feel well then discuss the other thyroid drug options including T3 medications with your doctor.

My girlfreind suffers from a lot of the mental symptoms She is ut of control Hardly ever see her any more She tex or calls me all day long accusing me of tings i didnt do she is completly out of touch with reality. Have no Idea what to do she thiks she is fine.

If your girlfriend has a thyroid condition please recommend she get a 2nd medical opinion. Every part of the body including the brain requires thyroid hormone for proper functioning so thyroid issues can wreak havoc on the brain and result in mental health issues like depression, bipolar, anxiety, etc. Here are articles on this topic.

Hello everyone! I was diagnosed in 2009 with a skin condition and then Graves disease. I had radiation and now I am hypothyroid. I recently have been on 100 mcg Levo every since 2009. Well I have been feeling like crap since 2010 and I recently found a new doctor because my old doctor refused to up my medications or think there was an issue with my medicine dosage. She would tell me this is just how I am going to feel with a thyroid issue when I asked for her to please look into maybe changing my dose because I feel like I have not been taking anything at all. I experience the brain fog, getting really tired out of no where, naps in the early day time, and swollen legs, face and arms with painful hands and leg pain and it is hard to hold my arms up a long time. I got my levels checked with my new doctor and they are 15.9 this is extremely off right!? She put me on 125 mcg and requested me to show up a month from now to check again. Now I am on this new medicine and I feel like crap still with added on things my heart beats fast, nervousness and my hair falling out all over again with more pain. I have glasses also I have the thyroid eye disease my eye doctor told me to wear them all day everyday except showering and sleeping of course. I notice now I am getting yeast issues also could this all be due to my levels being 15.9? Or all in my head I feel totally off balance inside like something is wrong! Any suggestions?

It sounds like you are not being optimally treated for your thyroid condition. You should first call your doctor about your current fast heart rate and nervousness because you may be over-medicated on your current dose. Also Levothyroxine are the main drugs prescribed but they don’t work for all of us. These drugs contain T4 hormone only and our bodies are supposed to convert the T4 to the active T3 hormone our bodies need but for many of us our bodies don’t convert it properly. We’re left with low T3 and symptom. This is why many benefit from a combination of T4 and T3 treatment. Be sure your testing includes not just TSH but also Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, adrenals, full iron panel and D3 at a minimum.

I have been seeing a general doctor and have been describing about 9 of the top 10 symptoms of hypothyroidism over the years including high cholesteral, diabetes, extremely heavy menstrual flow, dy skin, dry mouth, swollen tongue, fatigue, confusion and constant UTI’s and yet hypothyroidism was never mentioned. I am now motivated to find a new doctor – why type of of Dr is best though? Am I better off just going to a different general Dr.? Or Women’s Specialities Center? Or Endrocinologist? I am overwhelmed, do you have advice?

You have classic symptoms of hypothyroidism. Follow your instincts and push push push even that means seeing 10 different doctors until you get the right testing. Testing should include at a minimum not just TSH but also Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies.

There is no one best type of doctor. There are great family practitioners, then there are great endos, but then there are also very bad ones too. You are looking for a more open minded doctor who will look outside the box of the mainstream medicine protocol for diagnosing and treating thyroid conditions. I put together resources to help readers locate a good thyroid doctor in their area.

I had a thyroid uptake scan done twice a couple of years ago and both times it stated that I had graves disease. However, blood work comes back normal. so no one will do anything. However, I have some the signs stated above. The doctors say I have migraines and that is the reason for all the weird feelings that I have. My thyroid is enlarge and I do have knots. What should I do

Very late to the party, but thanks for this list. The jaw clenching and eyelid spasms? Bleeding gums? Had no clue they were related. I’m being treated (NDT) but still have a bit of gum trouble. I might add teeth grinding to the list – I was grinding my teeth in my sleep, which seems to have stopped since getting NDT.

I am a house wife from a rich family. By god’s bless i had everything, but after 10 years of my marriage i was not having any child. we met so much doctors but nothing happen good. Then my relative lady of my sister in law suggest me to contact to guruji. Guruji gave me some simple spells and some worships guruji himself done for me, and after 3 month i get report that i was pragnent. today i am a happy mother of a baby boy of 8 months. this is just your bless guruji. Thank you So much if you need his help you can contact him via his private mail gurujispellhome@yahoo.com you will not regret it thanks

Two years ago I had a routine wellness blood draw done. The results came back with a big stamp of “see your doctor to discuss your results”. I made an appointment and discovered through further testing that I have hemochromatosis with two genetic markers and hypothyroidism. I was placed on .75 of synthroid and do therapeutic phlebotomies as needed. The .75 of synthroid caused me to go hyperthyroid with levels below 1 which caused my doctor to change me to .50. Prior to finding out these results I had complained of joint pain, no sex drive at all, being tired all of the time, I had a hysterectomy several years ago because of heavy painful periods, and have been put on estrogen since then. I have been through everything from cortisone injections for joint pain, estrogen for the lack of sex drive, to going to a rheumatologist because no one knew what to do for me. This leads me to why I am writing this…I am back to feeling tired constantly, losing a ton of hair, still have no sex drive AT ALL, I am grouchy, gaining weight, absentminded and my body just hurts all over. I had my TSH checked about 2 months ago because I was feeling so poorly and it came back at just under 3, I then had my annual wellness blood draw and my levels increased to 5.9 now keep in mind this was a short 6 week time span between the blood tests. My doctor has changed my synthroid dose back to .75 but I came across your site and it is a true blessing. I requested the additional tests you have mentioned on this site and should have the results in a week. I also want to mention I have a sister that has diabetes, a niece with Graves disease, a niece with Hashimotos (they are sisters), a sister with scarcoidosis, and my mom has RA. Is there anything else I should be doing to be proactive about my health situation. I am at my wits end with feeling so poorly and kept thinking it was my hemochromatosis causing all of my symptoms when in all actuality it appears to be my hypothyroid condition.

Hi Shelly, First off proper iron levels is essential for thyroid health so I imagine that your hemochromatosis and thyroid condition are closely connected. Given your family history of autoimmune disease including Hashimoto’s, Grave and RA, please be sure to have your thyroid antibodies tested for Hashimoto’s (the two tests are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies & Thyroglobulin Antibodies) and antibodies for Graves (TSI). Hashimoto’s is considered the number one cause of hypothyroidism in the US yet thyroid antibodies are not routinely tested.

I am sitting here, in tears, because this list of symptoms looks like my personal medical history, and suddenly everything is making sense…I no longer feel like a hypochondriac! I’ve lost 3 confirmed pregnancies, and countless others…my three surviving children were all high birth weight babies…I’ve been diagnosed with probably 3 different issues off of each list at various times in my life. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the age of 11, but taken off the meds twice by doctors who told me that it was a “hypochondriac’s favorite disease” and unnecessary. I am currently off any meds because I am unemployed, dealing with a back injury, and have lost my insurance and medicaid, while applied for, hasn’t been approved yet. It seems like each week I have a new symptom, something else going wrong, or a new pain. I just hope that I can get some coverage, and get some health care that makes a difference.

I went today and got the results from the thyroid scan and uptake. It clearly stated that I had graves disease, so why did I not receive some type of treatment? I have appointment in November with a specialist. Will I feel normal again, when and if I receive the correct treatment?

Hi Dana. I’m from Singapore and I find that people here were not very familiar with thyroid and have minimal knowledge so your article really helps in a way. I was diagnosed with thyroid when I’m 14. I’m 20 now. It was a horrible time as people around me have zero knowledge of it. I had to deal with strangers staring at my neck cause the lump was really big and prominent. It was a frightening process for me at that age and also because I have no support from any family and friends. All these years I dealt with everything myself as my family and friends didn’t know how serious thyroid could be and think I’m being exaggerating. I was under medication for almost a year but my condition worsen and I finally went for radioiodine treatment. I am still struggling with myself because part of me still can’t believe that I’ll have to continue medication for life. I’ve developed some of the symptoms over the years but I wasn’t sure of it till I read this so it helped answer a lot for me. Many people especially my family didn’t believed when I told them of what I insomnia or felt anxiety. They all think that I’m thinking too much or making things up. So I’ll share this with everyone especially my family and hopefully they’ll be more understanding toward me.

“We’re all different in terms of what’s right for us.” Thanks for that statement. I was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid back in the late 80’s. As far back as I can remember, there would be the occasional day where I would get a bad headache, where headache pills would just take the edge off, but not really be effective. And I would think ‘Crap, I forgot to take my thyroid pill’. Of course, after checking my pill dispenser, I had missed it. Therefore, a headache that pills ‘didn’t touch’ was synonymous with me missing my pill that day. Last September I started getting that headache daily. I hadn’t missed a pill for about 4 months. I finally went to my Dr the beginning of November and told him my thyroid was out of whack. He asked how I knew. I told him of the ‘untouchable headache’. His reply; “That’s not a common symptom”. My reply – “That’s MY symptom” He ran blood work. My TSH was normal while my T3 was low, but not low enough to increase my meds. He told me to come back again in 30 days. December came, same results. He said if you’re T3 is still low in January, we’ll increase your meds.
January comes, T3 still low. He increases my meds. I go back in February. I’m still low, but not low enough to increase meds. In March I go back, T3 still low. He maxes me out to .2 mg levothyroxine. April, my T4 is 22.1, a little high, but not high enough to decrease meds. Come back again blah blah blah. In May I’m 22, perfectly healthy (yeah right). June, I’m 22.1, and he notes in my file “if high again, decrease to .18875″. July I’m 22, so of course, I’m healthy again. All along, my TSH has remained normal, but all this time – over 1 year, I’ve had daily headaches. Finally this past Friday when I said ‘You were considering lowering me – will you?’ and he said ‘No, you’re TSH is fine’, I asked him to refer me to a specialist. His reply – “Sure, I have no problem with sending you to a specialist and getting a second opinion. I welcome second opinions. Even though it’s going to be a complete waste of your time”.
What gets me is he wrote in my file “patient is sensitive to low T3″. He verbally said “Somehow you know when you’re T3 is even the slightest bit low”. But he won’t acknowledge that it’s my headaches. If I’m sensitive to a low T3, how implausible is it that I may be sensitive to a high T4?? He has a go-to diagnosis for my headaches – well, actually, anything to be honest – STRESS, YOU WORRY TO MUCH. Time to change Dr’s, I believe.
Thanks for pointing out all these symptoms. Some of them are a real eye-opener.

I had a tsh and t4 free done yesterday and the nurse said it came back normal/ I f the uptake says graves disease but the blood work is normal; does that mean I do not have a thyroid problem and all this problems that I am experiencing is psychological or created by something else?

Hey,
I have had a strange symptom for a while and wondering if you’ve ever heard of this before. Every time my ears are irritated (like if my contact is in wrong) I get crazy wooshing sound in my ears. It is so loud like there is a strong wind blasting in both ears. It only lasts for as long as my eye is irritated. I mentioned it to my PCP and my eye doc and they both looked at me like I was crazy!
Thanks,
–Sarah

I have not read about this specific link you mention. However what I do know for certain is that low thyroid can affect our eyes and ears and brain and entire body in so many ways. My brother has hypothyroidism and he suffers symptoms of his eyes and ears including eye tics, lazy eye, feeling of fullness in his ears like they are constantly plugged.

I have not read about this specific link you mention. However what I do know for certain is that low thyroid can affect our eyes and ears and brain and entire body in so many ways. My brother has hypothyroidism and he suffers symptoms of his eyes and ears including eye tics, lazy eye, feeling of fullness in his ears like they are constantly plugged. I have readers who experience all types of eye and ear issues including tinnitus.

There is a great article with a comprehensive list of symptoms that includes the eyes and ears.

Hey, I’m new to this condition (still not sure if mine is autoimmune yet, symptoms just started few months ago) but curious if taking thyroid supplement would reverse hair loss (mine is thinning only on sides of my head) and if it would return my natural body oils? My skin is so dry! Also, I’m apparently one of the few males to have thyroid problems, and I’m just 28!

I have struggled with hair loss on the sides of my head too. What’s worked for me is of course number one being optimally treated for my thyroid condition (be sure testing includes Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, Thyroglobulin Antibodies, adrenals, ferritin and D3) but also having my sex hormones tested (for me low progesterone contributed to my hair loss) and full iron panel (my low iron too was a factor for me). I also include evening primrose oil and biotin every day.

If you are on a Levothyroxine drug like Synthroid that may be the issue too because the majority of us do better on a combination of T4 and T3 medication.

Thank you for writing this article, I found out 2 years ago that I have hypothyroidism, I have been taking synthroid ever since, I have been noticing some other things here lately that has me pretty worried but after reading this article I am seeing that it could all be caused by my hypothyroidism, in the past I have had to have my gallbladder taken out and was told I have hypoglycemia, now after reading your article I under stand its all tied together. I will defiantly be looking for more things from you about hypothyroidism.

My Mother was diagnosed with hypothyroidism but after it already damaged 1/2 of her heart. She took radioactive Iodine to destroy her thyroid and was put on thyroid meds for the rest of her life. I have 3 Sisters which 2 of them have thyroid problems as well as my self . I have diabetes type 2, heart flutters, heart murmur, and a lot of the things mentioned here that could be caused by thyroid. The Drs are afraid of giving out thyroid medicines I don’t understand why . I am on 50 MCG of Levothyroxine Sodium and I don’t think it’s enough but Dr thinks I am on enough. So why am I so tired , have to take long naps durning the day, loosing my hair ( bald spots ) swelling my feets, legs, face & hands . Grrr makes me so mad.

Dana, I just wanted to thank you for all this information and for taking the time Friday night to have the Facebook discussion!! I really appreciate it. All this info is so overwhelming!! It sucks that we have to be our own doctors. It’s intimidating. I convinced my endo to add T3 this past summer, and it has done wonders. I’m not 100 % yet but much better!
Thank you and all that you do!

I have many of the symptoms on the LONG list…but have yet to visit an endo doctor. I am getting conflicting reports on what is the ‘range’ of TSH numbers on blood tests. My doctor said the high end is 5.0 yet other sites I have researched say 3 something. My figure is not too much over 5.0 (it is 5.35). My general practitioner said she would prescribe meds for me…but I am already on high cholesterol meds and wanted to hold off and check again in six month. Now I read that the thyroid may be what is making my cholesterol number so high! (It was 299 without statin drugs…and is 238 while taking 40m daily of Pravastatin.) I am thinking I may bypass the general practitioner all together and make an appt with a thyroid specialist…
So confusing…

Fabulous post! I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and went nearly 20 years with a LOT of these symptoms but wasn’t diagnosed until I was pregnant with my 3rd child. Even once I was diagnosed, I spent years floundering with my ‘numbers’ looking fine but I still felt awful! I am very blessed to have an incredible endocrinologist now and I am finally starting to feel good again! Thank you for all you do to educate people about this!

Dear Dana,
I have a question regarding choosing a doctor.
I waited 6 weeks to see a doctor on the list and had a strange experience. I sat in his office for maybe 12 minutes in which time he ordered me 50mg of progesterone. Is it odd that he never examined me? Never assessed me in terms of my neck, my temperature, my hair etc.
He never examined my body, my weight, my ankles, my scalloped tongue? When I mentioned my tongue from across his desk, he told me that was an acupuncture thing, which is true, but it is a classic thyroid tongue thing…He did ask me how I felt and I tried to say but it was all wrapped up so quickly I don’t think I really got a chance. He sent me for three tests (vestibular, echo, food allergies), never saw him again. 10 days later, feeling lousy, I emailed to check on my results. He told me I could get them from the lab as he gives permission for this, but I did not get them from the lab he uses, which means I do not have access to them and honestly I don’t know how to interpret them. I don’t see him for 5 more weeks. Do I assume they were ok?
Thank you,
Sally

Hi Sally, Contact your doctor and say that you would like a copy of your lab results but the lab did not provide it to you. The doctors listed in the resources from my article “Top 10 Resources To Find a Great Thyroid Doctor in 2013″ were created by thyroid advocates based on recommendations from their readers on good doctors. If you after you see him again if you feel he wasn’t helpful to you, contact the group who created the list and let them know. Sorry to hear you didn’t have a good appointment.

I have one you might want to add to your list. Hidradenitis Suppurativa – recurring lesions in the areas of the body where there are a lot of sweat glands. These lesions often come in the form of boils that fill with pus and blood and become extremely painful. When they burst, they form a tract or tube in the skin that eventually scars or produces additional boils, depending on the person. It can flare up and go away without warning. Emerging research has linked this skin condition to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (the autoimmune version of hypothyroidism), as well as a few other autoimmune disorders so the current thinking on this condition is that it has an auto-immune cause but it has not been studied well. The medical community used to believe it was a form of acne but after seeing it co-occur primarily with auto-immune disorders (of which Hashimoto’s is one very common one), they have discarded the Acne theory though some medical professionals who are not current on the literature may still hold this old view of it. Below is a link to the wikipedia for general info. I thought it was worth mentioning because it is severely underdiagnosed because patients mistake it for other things or are embarrassed about it when really, it is likely a secondary condition to an autoimmune disease. I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Celiac, Eczema, and Hidrdenitis. Anyway, it wasn’t on your very good exhaustive list and I though it was worth mentioning.

Thank you Renee. I saved the article you provided so I have a resource to share if readers contact me about this condition. It’s amazing really how thyroid disease can result in so many health conditions.

Wow, I don’t know what to say except that your blog post has given me some hope. I will be making an appointment with a doctor very soon.
I know my mother suffers from a thyroid disorder (though I’m not sure which one) and bipolar I disorder. I think the two are related, though I’ve never been told exactly WHAT thyroid disorder is.

But after googling some of my symptoms, your list came up with so many things I’ve experienced throughout my life–and I have been chalked up to being dramatic or over sensitive. But the physical symptoms are definitely there as well–Frequent infections, more than 7 a year–utis, sinus, ear, etc.. Low blood temperature–always 97 degrees. Moods that I simply cannot explain to anyone. Extreme fatigue–since I was in high school I would come home and simply fall asleep. Polycystic ovaries.

I feel the symptoms as physical manifestations, but they are usually disregarded as mental projections. The past couple of years I have been sliding downward, and I am about to graduate from college and have been fearing how to deal with these things in ‘the real world’ I’ve managed to keep my gpa up and have done quite well but it feels like every day is a struggle to function at the bare minimum, and a scheduled life seems difficult to me mainly because I doubt I will have the energy to make it through. Not only that, but I often feel simply ‘weird’–detached, dizzy, short term memory is gone, no awareness of my surroundings, sometimes overly aware of certain things–like I am in a film that is directing me to some specific scene. It is draining to feel like I cannot function day in and day out and to not have a concrete reason to tell people. I always sheepishly tell the doctors everytime I go in for an infection/migraine/whatever else “Is there any reason this could also be making me feel ‘weird’ I feel confused and weak and strange” but their answer is always “well of course you feel weird, you have an infection” I have been to the therapist multiple times, but I refuse to take anymore of the drugs they give me, because it is not depression that I am dealing with (although sometimes this can manifest from the frustration of how I live) I try and explain to them the struggle I have to simply function in a stable manner, the effort it requires, but they think that it is a natural cause of depression and so prescribe me more drugs that make me feel even more detached. Other times I become energetic but irritable, frustrated, and aggressive to the point that it scares me a bit. Noises have me driven up a wall. I feel the need to be constantly isolated just to keep myself feeling stability.
I have spent my whole life feeling like I am crazy, and fearing going crazy (especially with a bipolar mom) and I truly think I may have found the reason for these symptoms and it is a little piece of hope that I am extremely happy to have, even if it turns out not to be true, I at least know that there ARE things that cause an umbrella of symptoms, and perhaps one day I’ll figure it out.
The fact that it can manifest itself both in physical symptoms and mental makes a ton of sense, and is such a relief–as I have suffered from both and sometimes truly feel cursed. I wish that the doctors would have explained the disease better to my mother, I don’t think they found hers until her first manic episode and so perhaps it was overlooked in importance. But that information may have helped me in the long run.

There is sadly so little awareness about thyroid conditions in general and then very little known about the connection to mental health including bipolar and depression. I will include links here you should read.

There is hope! Never give up. Don’t let the specialist continue tell you there is nothing wrong with you, or that it’s all in your head. I have a very strong family history of thyroid disease and still I was told over and over again that there was nothing wrong with my thyroid. Not once did any of these doctors look at anything but my TSH levels. Not one of them ever touched my neck. Finally, God bless her, my hemotologist (a very nice Indian woman) felt my neck. She said my thyroid was enlarged and sent me for an ultrasound, and ultimately to an endocronologist. Thankfully, my endocronologist listened to me. He did the blood work I asked for, and low and behold, I have Hashimotos. The day I was diagnosed I cried like a baby (and my poor doctor was quite uncomfortable). It was years of frustration all coming to a head and being released. I have been on Armour since July and it took several months, but finally I am beginning to feel good. There are days where I feel great. I was in so much pain for so many years and felt so tired all the time I didn’t think this day would ever come. I am incredibly thankful and just want to spread the word to as many people as I can that there is hope, don’t give up! Continue to educate yourself and if your doctor(s) won’t listen to you, find another doctor!

Hi!
I´m 27-year old female. I had hypothyroidism after infection while i was pregnant at age of 19. I realized the problem couple of months after having my baby. After test results i got diagnosed and i started taking thyroxin . Couple of years after diagnose went just fine. At age of 22 i started suffering all kind of symtomps. I had akne, infection after infection, acid reflux etc. Year after year i am getting worse. Nowadays when the weather is hot, i need cooler and when its cold i need a lot of clothes, i have acid reflux which is worsening, cold hands and feets, excessive tiredness, hair loss, dry skin and eyes, tinnitus , lot of infections etc… Doctors made a lot of tests and found nothing. They think it might be in my head. I was happy one doctor send me to good Endocrinologist and he thought the problem might be my hypothyroidism. He said normal Tsh, T4v and T3 does not mean, my treatment is in balance. So i´m going to try armour thyroid. Sorry about my lack of english skills.

Annalina, I’m so happy you found a doctor willing to explore Armour with you. We’re all different in terms of which medication is right for us however it’s worth a try to see if it helps you. Best wishes.

I had a hysterectomy in 1999 at age 36. I went through some depression over about an 18 month time period, had digestive issues and then was diagnosed with diverticulosis. In 2011, I started an exercise program and dropped 22#. Until July 2012, I was biking between 20-50 miles, running 3 miles and walking another 20 miles per week. In July 2012, everything came to an abrupt halt. I had gone hiking in a canyon in Amarillo, TX. It was 112 degrees, but I had a hydration pack and was well hydrated. I felt very fatigued and short of breath. For being in such good physical shape, that did not make any sense. A few days later, I returned home after a 17 hr drive back to IL. When I got home, my ankles and calves were extremely swollen. I went to an immediate care facility the following morning. No real diagnoses was made and I was told to follow up with my primary physician if this swelling happened again. About one week later, the same thing happened and I went to my primary phys. After that is when everything changed. An arrhythmia was detected and I was immediately sent to the hospital. I had a lot of blood testing, heart monitors, a stress test, electrocardiogram and eventually went for an inpatient stay at Mayo in MN. I was diagnosed with PAC/PVC (non-fatal/non-operable, heart arrhythmia) Recently, I had two bouts of diverticulitis and a few weeks later developed hives with tongue swelling. Went to the allergist, blood tests were “normal.” The allergist gave me more medications which caused rapid weight gain and I have a lot of abdominal swelling/fluid retention. All the thyroid testing I have had comes back in normal range. However, the doctor at Mayo did say that my thyroid was on its way out, but she could not determine how long it might be before I would need medication to manage my symptoms. Is it possible to have “normal” thyroid blood tests, but still have a thyroid problem? What should I do next?

Hi Theresa, TSH is often the only test run to diagnose thyroid disease however it fails to give a full picture. Testing should include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. Also what is considered normal is not necessarily optimal. Thyroid advocate Mary Shomon provides this list of recommended tests and optimal ranges. Get a copy of your lab results and check if these tests have been done and if your scores are optimal.

im very pleased to find you..im diagnosed hypothyroidism just 6 months before .im taking thyroxine 50 mg.in recents blood tests my thyroid levels are ok..but i still feel soo tired,sleepy,over weight,leg cramps,restless legs syndrome,acid reflux,low energy,migraines,joint pain..i want to know that is all this bcoz of throxine side effects? why i hav still the same symptoms as before i started thyroxine? im so sad:( will i live like this forever now?pls help me regarding this.

I just want to say thank you for this cite. Ever since my doctor finally got blood test results saying my thyroid was low. I felt like a hypochondriac. I kept asking why I was so tired. I told her that I had been exercising like a manic and gaining weight. I had gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago. Over the last 2 years I have gained 45 pounds. I am still considerably less than the weight before surgery. I am still waiting to see an endochrenologist. I have 2 more months of waiting. I seem to be getting worse. When should I be really worried? I’m afraid that I’m going to fall asleep and never wake up. I’m exhausted all of the time. My kids are old enough to understand, but they still think that I’m just being lazy.

I’m happy you discovered the cause of your symptoms. Now it’s about making sure you have the right tests and that you have a doctor open to exploring the thyroid drug options to find what works best for you. First here is a list of recommended labs and optimal ranges.

There have been so many people damaged by fluoroquinolones that victims have banded together in a worldwide network, calling themselves “Floxies.” Quite a few Floxies are in the medical field themselves (or were, before they were poisoned), and are on a mission to help fellow fluoroquinolone poisoning victims, which is how the documentary Certain Adverse Events came about. If you haven’t already seen this film, I highly recommend it.12 For more information, you can also visit the following websites (there are many more in addition to these if you search by the term “fluoroquinolone”):
• Levaquinadversesideeffect.com
• CertainAdverseEvents.com
• Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Toxicity Advocacy Page (Facebook)
• SurvivingCipro.com
• MyQuinStory.com
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics May Cause Permanent Nerve Damagehttp://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/25/fluoroquinolone-antibiotics.aspx

I think it is important to note that oftentimes when there are extreme symptoms related to hypothyroidism or if you have hypothyroidism that is “managed” but you still have symptoms it is often a sign that you may have the autoimmune disorder, Hashimotos Thyroiditis which also affects the thyroid and of which hypothyroidism is a symptom and not the underlying condition.

My daughter was born with congenital hypothyroidism. We were told a week after she was born that her outcome was uncertain. My daughter is now 10 and for the most part is a happy healthy child. She has a number of symptoms on this list even though she takes thyroid replacement hormone every day. She has been delayed in everything. Bless her heart, her coordination is poor. She also has a learning disability that we have struggled with and continue to.

All that aside, Here’s what I want to know. This is a major fear of mine that I think about constantly, so here it goes. Are women with hypothyroidism normally capable of having children? My daughter is an only child and she always talks about wanting to be a mom someday. It would be devistating to she and I both if she wasn’t able to have children of her own..What are the odds??

Hi Ashley, absolutely there is hope to have babies despite hypothyroidism. The key is being optimally treated. Given the fact you are on my site researching hypothyroidism for your daughter means you will always make sure she is properly treated so that one day yes she will have babies. One thing to consider is that many hypothyroid people do better on a combination of T4 and T3 meds. If your daughter is on a Levothyroxine drug like Synthroid and still suffering symptoms, worth it to discuss these options with her doctor.

I am 43 yrs old living in India, diagnosed with HThyroid 3 yrs back, but I guess the symptoms mentions above would hv started a few yrs earlier. Other than the symptoms mentioned above I also developed vitiligo patches on my arms in June 2013. I have lost all confidence in myself now, however, am under diet restrictions and allopathic treatment . My daughter 18 yrs, diagnosed with HThyroid has a TSH of 5.29 and doctors hv prescribed Thyronorm 25 mcg. She has most of the symptoms, painful menorrhagea; facial/body acne;acute body odour, among others. I have been overly concerned about this development in her but reading your blog developed some confidence in me in that this condition can be easily managed.

Hi Anita, Happy to have you hear from India. Be sure you and your daughter have your thyroid antibodies tested for Hashimoto’s. This is considered the most common cause of hypothyroidism but thyroid antibodies are not routinely tested. There are two tests: Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies and Thyroglobulin Antibodies.

I have a feeling I may have thyroid issues. I’ve had bouts of anemia since childhood and have struggled for years with issues around fatigue – constantly feeling tired, oversleeping, lethargy, lack of energy, increasing intolerance to the cold, cold feet, easily irritated, where I had tingling sensations in extremities, also a few times where I happened to take my temp and noticed I wasn’t hitting 98.0. Also starting going grey quite early (25) and find symptoms worsen in winter months. There’s a history of hypothyroid in women in my family, but everytime I mentioned any symptoms to the doctors i was told to just eat better, get more sleep, take more vitamins, take iron pills, etc. They always had a reason why there was nothing more to my symptoms. The one time I specifically asked to be tested I was just told my test was normal. I wanted to cry because I just didn’t feel normal and felt that “well the tests is normal I must just be inherently lazy”. I do test as anemic every few doctors visits but they just said to take iron pills. Now I find myself pregnant and am being being tested because it turns out my anemia is NOT from iron deficiency. I am going back to doctors this week and really want to push them to test for thyroid issues. I’m worried that if my test comes back “normal” they’ll just dismiss the symptoms I’ve had for years as pregnancy symptoms not thyroid symptoms. How should I handle this now that I am pregnant? I’m worried that everything will be dismissed as being pregnancy related when these are symptoms I’ve been having for many years. Also- since hypothyroid linked to trouble getting pregnant and miscarriage is that a sign I don’t have an issue (I got pregnant after only 3 months trying)?

Hi Kate, congratulations on your pregnancy. I’m happy you are pushing your doctors for thyroid testing given the importance of thyroid hormone in pregnancy. TSH is often the only test run but this one test fails to give a full picture. Testing should include at minimum Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies.

I had thyroid cancer at the age of 28. I was given a total thyroidectomy with radiation treament. I’ve been on thyroid replacement for 28yrs. I have at least three quarters of the symptoms you’ve listed. I find absolutely no difference between now and 28 yrs. ago. Every day is an arduous endevaeor.

Karen, I’m sorry to hear all you’ve been through. If you are on a Levothyroxine drug like Synthroid that may be the issue. Many of us do better on a combination of T4 and T3 treatment. Here’s a description of this:

Hello,
I was sent this link by a friend. I have so many things on this list. Its makes since to me. Ty for the post. I had an full hysterectomy 7yrs ago and since then my body has gone down hill. My hair has been falling out every where. I cant sleep, having trouble losing weight, when I do exercise I hurt for days. I have on going sinus problems and bad headaches. Over the last yr Ive had a knot in my throat right where the thyroid is, the last 6 months I have been having trouble with my skin, I have never had acne my whole life. My nails are peeling and my skin is forever dry. Here lately I have been getting dizzy spells. I thought I wasnt getting enough water, I drink 3 bottles a day. Im am getting older so I didnt think much of this stuff until the last 6 months Ive been doing a lot of reading. My dr tells me Im not quit in the grey zone for meds. I hope u can help me with some answers. Im not much for meds I like to take herbals if all possible.
Ty for any help Terrie age 54

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